Absorbent article with conforming features

ABSTRACT

An absorbent has longitudinal and lateral centerlines, first, second, and target regions, the target region being disposed between the first second regions. Each of the first, second target regions extend laterally across the disposable absorbent article. The disposable absorbent article also has a topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet; a fluid management layer disposed between the topsheet and absorbent core; and a target zone disposed in the target region. The target zone has a first plurality of conforming features in at least the absorbent core or a combination of the absorbent core and at least one of the topsheet or fluid management layer. The absorbent article also has a long fiber network.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an absorbent article with conformingfeatures and methods of creating the conforming feature in an absorbentarticle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles are widely used among consumers, e.g. diapers,training pants, feminine pads, adult incontinence pads, etc. Generally,absorbent articles such as these comprise a topsheet and a backsheet,with an absorbent core disposed therebetween. Some may includeadditional layers between the topsheet and the absorbent core or betweenthe backsheet and the absorbent core to provide additional fluidmanagement properties.

In general, the absorbent articles are expected to absorb liquid insultstransferring the liquid from the point of insult on the topsheet to theabsorbent core. And, once the liquid insults are absorbed, the absorbentarticle is expected to limit the amount of liquid which escapes theabsorbent core and rewets the topsheet. For the acquisition of liquidinsults, within a reasonable amount of time, the absorbent core or anadditional layer between the topsheet and the core should be in liquidcontact with the topsheet to adequately drain the topsheet of the liquidinsult.

However, variables affecting acquisition speed can be diametricallyopposed to rewet performance. For example, some conventional topsheet'srequire a trade-off between capillarity, permeability, and rewetproperties. So, while good liquid acquisition can be achieved by makingthe topsheet hydrophilic so that fluid passes through quickly, thetopsheet then typically suffers from poor rewet performance. And theconverse is also true. A hydrophobic topsheet may provide better rewetperformance; however, fluid acquisition times will likely increase dueto the hydrophobic nature of the topsheet.

Additionally, the absorbent article, in addition to fluid acquisitionand rewet performance, is expected to provide the user with acomfortable feel. Particularly in the context of feminine hygienearticles or feminine adult incontinence articles, this can be a realchallenge. While some articles may be created which provide greatconformity to the intricate female anatomy, such conformity can reducethe structural integrity of the absorbent article. The reducedstructural integrity of the article can cause bunching during use andalso inhibit recovery of the article to its original form. Andunfortunately, the bunching of the article can lead to discomfort forthe wearer and leakage during use.

As such, it would be beneficial to have an improved absorbent articlewhich addresses the tradeoff of comfortable conformance and resiliencyas well as one that provided good fluid kinetics. And, it would bebeneficial to provide a method for creating such articles withoutsacrificing leakage performance of the absorbent article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This present disclosure relates to absorbent articles with improvedfluid transfer kinetics between layers and unexpectedly improvedmechanical fit and comfortable conformation to the body and methods ofmaking the same.

The disposable absorbent articles of the present disclosure comprise aplurality of layers assembled together to form a completed article. Forexample, the disposable absorbent articles of the present disclosurecomprise a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed betweenthe topsheet and the backsheet. A fluid management layer, e.g. secondarytopsheet or acquisition layer, may be disposed between the topsheet andthe absorbent core. Additional layers may be positioned between theabsorbent core and the backsheet and/or the absorbent core and thetopsheet.

A disposable absorbent article has a longitudinal centerline and alateral centerline, and may further comprise a first region, a secondregion, and a target region disposed between the first region and thesecond region. Each of the first region, the second region, and targetregion extend laterally across the disposable absorbent article. Thedisposable absorbent article may further comprise: a topsheet; abacksheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet; a fluid management layer disposed between the topsheet andthe absorbent core; a target zone disposed in the target region, whereinthe target zone comprises a first plurality of conforming features in atleast the absorbent core or a combination of the absorbent core and atleast one of the topsheet or the fluid management layer; and a longfiber network comprised by at least one of the absorbent core, thetopsheet, the fluid management layer, or a combination of the absorbentcore and at least one of the fluid management layer or the topsheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross sectional views showing a laminate of twomaterials joined via conventional laminating techniques.

FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view of a topsheet and secondary topsheetin accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a graph depicting the fluid management data betweenconventionally processed laminates and the materials of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of a topsheet and absorbent core inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3F are schematics diagrams showing processes for creatingintimate contact between/among webs of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the topsheet andacquisition/distribution laminate web with a discreteacquisition/distribution web portion being depicted on top of a topsheetweb.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the topsheet and acquisitionlaminate web comprising a protrusion.

FIG. 6A is a depiction of a pair of rolls which can create protrusionsin the laminate webs of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a photo showing an exemplary roll pattern which may beutilized in the apparatus shown in FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 7A-7D are depictions of another pair of rolls which can createprotrusions in the webs of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8D are depictions of another pair of rolls or other elementswhich can create both apertures and protrusions in the topsheet andacquisition/distribution laminate web.

FIGS. 9A-9B are depictions of another pair of rolls which can createapertures the webs of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a depiction of an apparatus which can create apertures andprotrusions in zones in the webs of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic representations of absorbent articlescomprising treated regions of the article.

FIGS. 11C-11E are schematic cross-sections along a longitudinaldirection showing additional forms of absorbent article in accordancewith the present disclosure.

FIG. 12A is a photo showing a plan view of a web constructed inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B is a photo showing a cross section of the web of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a photo showing a plan view of another web constructed inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 13B and 13C are photos showing a cross section of the web of FIG.13A.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross section of the webs of the presentdisclosure showing exaggerated features for ease of visualization.

FIG. 15A is a photo showing a plan view of a web constructed frommaterials which lack a long fiber network of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 15B and 15C are photos showing cross sections of the web of FIG.15A.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross section of the webs of the presentdisclosure showing exaggerated features for ease of visualization.

FIG. 17A is a photo showing a plan view of an absorbent articleconstructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 17B is a schematic representation showing other potential patternarrangements for the webs of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a schematic of a partial exemplary process for the creationof absorbent articles.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a feminine hygiene article, i.e. sanitarynapkin, constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a top view of an absorbent article with some layers partiallyremoved in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a photograph which shows tooling for making conformingfeatures as described herein.

FIG. 22 is a photograph of a nonwoven web comprising an aperture patternas described herein.

FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for the NMR mousetest method described herein.

FIG. 24 is a schematic representation of a specimen setup for theapparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a schematic depiction showing an apparatus for the BunchCompression test method as described herein.

FIGS. 26A-B relate to the test method of FIG. 25.

FIGS. 27A-B relate to the test method of FIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein “disposable absorbent article” or “absorbent article”shall be used in reference to articles such as diapers, training pants,diaper pants, refastenable pants, adult incontinence pads, adultincontinence pants, feminine hygiene pads, tampons, pessary devices,cleaning pads, and the like, each of which are intended to be discardedafter use.

As used herein “hydrophilic” and “hydrophobic” have meanings as wellestablished in the art with respect to the contact angle of water on thesurface of a material. Thus, a material having a water contact angle ofgreater than about 90 degrees is considered hydrophobic, and a materialhaving a water contact angle of less than about 90 degrees is consideredhydrophilic. Compositions which are hydrophobic, will increase thecontact angle of water on the surface of a material while compositionswhich are hydrophilic will decrease the contact angle of water on thesurface of a material. Notwithstanding the foregoing, reference torelative hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity between a material and acomposition, between two materials, and/or between two compositions,does not imply that the materials or compositions are hydrophobic orhydrophilic. For example, a composition may be more hydrophobic than amaterial. In such a case neither the composition nor the material may behydrophobic; however, the contact angle exhibited by the composition isgreater than that of the material. As another example, a composition maybe more hydrophilic than a material. In such a case, neither thecomposition nor the material may be hydrophilic; however, the contactangle exhibited by the composition may be less than that exhibited bythe material. The term “filament” refers to any type of artificialcontinuous strand produced through a spinning process, a meltblowingprocess, a melt fibrillation or film fibrillation process, or anelectrospinning production process, or any other suitable process tomake filaments. The term “continuous” within the context of filamentsare distinguishable from staple length fibers in that staple lengthfibers are cut to a specific target length. In contrast, “continuousfilaments” are not cut to a predetermined length, instead, they canbreak at random lengths but are usually much longer than staple lengthfibers.

As used herein, “machine direction” refers to the direction in which aweb flows through an absorbent article converting process. For the sakeof brevity, may be referred to as “MD”.

As used herein “cross machine direction” refers to the direction whichis perpendicular to the MD. For the sake of brevity, may be referred toas “CD”.

Absorbent articles of the present disclosure may provide improved fluidhandling, conformity and recovery. By utilizing repeating patterns ofbending modes on a meso-scale versus historical micro and/or macro scalethat are bendable and shapeable based on each user's unique anatomicalshape and how the user deforms the absorbent system while wearing, ithas been found that an absorbent structure can be created that is ableto have improved contact between the absorbent product and the user.

The inventors have surprisingly found that with the creation of intimatecontact between layers of the absorbent article, improved fluid kineticsmay be achieved along with improved mechanical fit. The inventors havealso found that if not implemented correctly, such intimate contactbetween layers can create leakage issues with their respective absorbentarticles. Additionally, depending on the scale of the integration, theinventors have surprisingly found that some integration processes canprovide the additional benefit of conformity to the complex contours ofa user's body in addition to fluid kinetics benefits.

Cross sections of conventionally processed topsheet and secondarytopsheet combinations which lack intimate contact are shown in FIGS. 1Aand 1B. In FIG. 1A, a topsheet is shown fusion bonded to a secondarytopsheet in cross-section. While the layers are joined together, theylack the intimate contact. For example, an opening 7 is shown betweenthe topsheet and secondary topsheet. Additionally, fusion bond areas 9,while arguably integrating the constituent material of the topsheet andthe secondary topsheet, destroy the form of the constituent material andinstead form film-like areas through which liquid does not pass. So, thefusion bonded topsheet and secondary topsheet lack the intimate contactdescribed herein.

In FIG. 1B, the cross-sectional view of a topsheet and a secondarytopsheet joined via gluing is shown. Similar to the topsheet andsecondary topsheet configuration of FIG. 1A, the configuration shown inFIG. 1B also comprises an opening 7 between the topsheet and thesecondary topsheet. So, like the fusion bonded configuration, the gluedconfiguration does not provide the intimate contact between the topsheetand secondary topsheet that is desired and described herein.

Another conventional method to encourage contact between layers involvesthe utilization of vacuum. During formation, a substrate, e.g. nonwoven,may be exposed to a vacuum conveyor. Additional material, e.g. fibers,can be deposited on the substrate. At the interface between thesubstrate and the fibers, the vacuum can induce some materialintegration; however, this is considered more of a surface phenomenonrather than the intimate contact created via integration disclosedherein.

Further, while embossing arguably creates intimate contact betweenadjacent layers, embossing tends to create areas of densificationthrough compression. And, as noted previously, the densification ofareas can create localized stiffness which can create conformity issuesand can negatively impact consumer comfort during use. So, the desiredintimate contact between adjacent layers of the present description doesnot include embossing.

In contrast to the conventional configurations shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B,a cross section of a topsheet and secondary topsheet of the presentdisclosure is shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A shows a cross section of atopsheet hydroentangled with a secondary topsheet. As shown, constituentmaterial of the topsheet and constituent material of the secondarytopsheet are integrated in a Z-direction. This Z-direction integrationcan create intimate contact between the topsheet and the secondarytopsheet throughout the cross section of the topsheet and the secondarytopsheet such that there are no openings or a reduced number of openingsbetween the topsheet and the secondary topsheet.

As used herein, “intimate contact” refers to the integration of layersof an absorbent article. The integration causes constituent material ofthe layers to be in contact such that constituent material of a lowerlayer is more readily accessible through an upper layer. For example,via the merging of constituent material between layers, the constituentmaterial of the lower layer is more readily accessible through the upperlayer. And, as noted previously, intimate contact between/among layersallows for a more efficient fluid transfer from an upper layer to alower layer rather than inhibiting such fluid transfer as noted withembossing and bonding. For example, it is believed that filaments and/orfibers from one layer penetrate into the adjacent layer. It is believedthat this filament and/or fiber penetration provides a bridge crossingthe interface between one layer to another. It is further believed thatthis bridge facilitates fluid transfer from one layer to another. Andunlike the conventional processes described previously, the intimatecontact created by the processes described herein can create integrationof material layers not only at the surface but millimeters deep into anadjacent layer. Additionally, by creating intimate contact betweenadjacent layers as described herein, the resultant absorbent article maythen be less reliant on glues to hold layers together. Glues tend toincrease stiffness which can negatively impact conformability and may,in some instances, inhibit fluid transfer. Lastly, the intimate contactdescribed herein is unlike the surface interaction (two-dimensional)created by vacuum formation in that intimate contact via the processesdescribed in the present disclosure can create provide three-dimensionalaccess to the material of an underlying layer, e.g. an absorbent core.

Data showing the fluid acquisition speed of the hydroentangledtopsheet/secondary topsheet combination is shown in FIG. 2B. As shown inFIG. 2B, a hydroentangled topsheet and secondary topsheet coupled withan absorbent core are represented by curve 201 and a conventionallyprocessed topsheet, secondary topsheet, and absorbent core are shown bycurve 200. As shown, the sample having the hydroentangled topsheet andsecondary topsheet exhibits quicker fluid acquisition as depicted by theslope of the curve 201 versus curve 200. Additionally, over time, thesample with the hydroengangled topsheet and secondary topsheet movesfluid more quickly from the surface of the topsheet than does theconventionally processed topsheet, secondary topsheet, and absorbentcore combination. The data shown in FIG. 2B was acquired via NMR-Mouse,e.g. Profile NMR-MOUSE model PM25 with High-Precision Lift availablefrom Magritek Inc., San Diego, Calif. The NMR-Mouse measured the levelof liquid in the top 200 microns of the topsheet, secondary topsheet,and absorbent core samples shown in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2C is a cross sectional view of a topsheet in intimate contact withan absorbent core in a Z-direction. Much like the topsheet and thesecondary topsheet, there are no apparent openings between the topsheetand the absorbent core. The topsheet and the absorbent core weresubjected to meso-scale processing as described herein. As shown, thereare a plurality of peaks and depressions. Due to the intimate contactbetween the topsheet and the absorbent core, it is believed that suchconstruction of the topsheet/absorbent core laminate, would improvefluid acquisition and rewet.

The disposable absorbent articles of the present disclosure comprise atleast one intimate contact region where a topsheet, a secondarytopsheet, an absorbent core, additional layers between the topsheet anda backsheet, or any combinations thereof, comprises intimate contact.Forming intimate contact between layers requires operations whichmechanically manipulate the constituent material of adjacent layers. Forexample, the constituent material of adjacent layers may be manipulatedvia hyrdroentangling as discussed above regarding FIGS. 2A and 2B ormeso-scale processing as mentioned regarding FIG. 2C. These processescan create intimate contact between or among adjacent layers of anabsorbent article. Additional processes for creating intimate contactbetween layers in an absorbent article are disclosed herein. And,combinations of processes may be utilized. For example, some layers maybe hydroentangled/needlepunched while other layers may be integrated viaanother process that is not hydroentangling/needlepunched. Or, thehydroentangled/needlepunched layers subsequently may be combined withanother layer via a different process thanhydroentangling/needlepunching. Or, some layers may be integrated viameso-scale processes without being hydroentangled/needlepunched.

It is worth noting that in addition to hydroentangling, it is believedthat some processes which are taught to be utilized for loftingmaterials, e.g. nonwovens, may also provide some amount of intimatecontact between layers. These processes generally utilize hot air jetsto move fibers of material. The process is described in detail in U.S.Pat. No. 8,720,021 which is incorporated herein by reference. So wherethe provision of hydroentangling or needlepunching is mentioned, theprovision of hot air jetting may also be utilized.

Additionally, while nonwoven (fibrous) materials are depicted in FIGS.2A and 2C, intimate contact may be established with a large variety ofmaterials as described herein. For example, films may be utilized inconjunction with a nonwoven (fibrous material) as described herein. Ithas also been surprisingly found that using formation means to integratethe topsheet, secondary topsheet, and the absorbent core, providing afibrous network results in improved flexibility of the pad (as measuredby bunched compression). This is unlike traditional systems that becomestiffer due to welding, glues, embossing, or when they improvecapillarity through densification.

For the sake of brief introduction and clarity for the followingdisclosure, topsheets are generally soft feeling to the wearer of theabsorbent article. Additionally, the topsheet should be configured toreadily receive liquid insults to keep the wearer feeling dry. Topsheetsare described in additional detail hereafter.

Fluid management layers, for the sake of brevity “FM” layers, aregenerally positioned directly below the topsheet and should beconfigured to quickly acquire liquid insults to the topsheet anddistribute the liquid insult to an absorbent core. While FM layers mayhave some ability to absorb and retain liquid insults, they may bedesigned primarily to de-water the topsheet quickly and transfer liquidto the absorbent core. FM layers are discussed further herein as well.Absorbent cores are the primary storage elements of the disposableabsorbent articles.

Absorbent cores receive and store liquid insults to the topsheet.Absorbent cores are generally positioned subjacent to the FM layer ormay be positioned subjacent the topsheet. Additionally, absorbent corestend to have more mass associated with them than other components of theabsorbent article and therefore tend to also dominate the mechanicalproperties of the absorbent article. For example, mechanical propertiessuch as flexibility, conformability and shapability, i.e. the shape theproduct assumes while worn, may be primarily influenced by theproperties of the absorbent core. Absorbent cores are discussed inadditional detail hereafter.

Process

The processes of the present disclosure can provide an absorbent articlehaving regions of intimate contact between/among components of theabsorbent article which can improve acquisition speed along with areduction in the likelihood of leakage. And, as discussed herein, theprocesses of the present disclosure can provide an absorbent articlewith improved acquisition speed along with the ability to conform tomuch more complex surfaces than their conventional counterparts.

Intimate contact between the topsheet and the FM layer; FM layer andabsorbent core; topsheet and absorbent core; or topsheet, FM layer, andabsorbent core, can be achieved via mechanical manipulation of at leasttwo of the topsheet, the FM layer, and the absorbent core. However, asnoted previously, FM layers and absorbent cores are generally configuredto receive liquid insults from the topsheet rapidly and/or store liquidinsults. As such, both the FM layer and absorbent core are typicallyabsorbent to a further extent than the topsheet. Without pre-processingof the FM layer and/or absorbent core, there is a risk that the FM layerand/or absorbent core is coextensive with the topsheet which couldresult in liquid insults leaking out of the FM layer and/or absorbentcore of a finished product. And, trimming of the FM layer and/orabsorbent core post joining with the topsheet while plausible, wouldprove to be difficult at best for high speed manufacturing.

The inventors have discovered processes which greatly reduce thelikelihood of leakage via the mechanism of the FM layer and/or absorbentcore being coextensive with the topsheet. By pre-processing the FM layerand/or absorbent core, the FM layer and/or absorbent core can be reducedin size, e.g. width, such that a periphery of the FM layer and/orabsorbent core is disposed inboard of the periphery of the topsheet. Theprocesses are discussed in additional detail hereafter.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, a topsheet web 10 (shown as a roll) can beprovided as a carrier to a cut and place operation 30. An FM web 20(shown as a roll) can be provided to the cut and place operation 30 aswell. The cut and place operation 30 can cut the FM web 20 into aplurality of discrete portions 20A.

The topsheet web 10 may be created as part of an absorbent articleconverting process or may be obtained from a manufacturer of suitabletopsheet materials. Similarly, the FM layer may be made as part of anabsorbent article converting process or may be obtained from amanufacturer of fluid management materials. The absorbent core web maysimilarly be created as part of the absorbent article converting line ormay be obtained from a manufacturer of suitable absorbent corematerials.

Still referring to FIGS. 3A and 4, the discrete portions 20A haveopposing longitudinal sides 24 and lateral ends 26 connecting theopposing longitudinal sides 24. The topsheet web 10 compriseslongitudinal sides 14 which are outboard of the longitudinal sides 24 ofthe discrete portions 20A. Lateral sides for the topsheet web 10 can bedetermined during subsequent processing. Where it is desired that thediscrete portions 20A are not longitudinally coextensive with thetopsheet web 10, the lateral sides for the topsheet web 10—aftercutting—should be outboard of the lateral ends 26 of the discreteportions 20A. Additionally, it is important to ensure that thelongitudinal sides 24 are inboard of the longitudinal sides 14 of thetopsheet web 10. In some forms, the longitudinal sides 24 can bedisposed more than 2 mm inboard, greater than 3 mm inboard, greater than4 mm, inboard, greater than 5 mm inboard, or about 6 mm inboard,specifically reciting all values within these ranges and any rangescreated thereby. The distance between the longitudinal sides 14 and thelongitudinal sides 24 can be beneficial when the final product seal iscreated. The larger distance can ensure a robust seal between thetopsheet and backsheet and/or another layer in the final absorbentproduct.

It should be noted that philic layers in general may be beneficiallytrimmed to ensure that the philic layers are not part of the edge sealof the article as this could lead to leakage. For example, the topsheetmay comprise multiple layers of nonwoven material. A wearer-facing layermay be hydrophobic and a subjacent layer may be hydrophilic. With such aconstruction, the subjacent layer may be cut such that longitudinaledges of the subjacent layer are inboard of the edge of the hydrophobiclayer. Additionally, the longitudinal edges of the subjacent layer maybe spaced inboard of wings which extend laterally outward. In suchconstruction, the hydrophobic layer may extend into the wings while thehydrophilic layer terminates inboard of the wings and/or inboard of theedge seal of the absorbent article.

The discrete portions of FM web 20A are placed on the topsheet web 10thereby forming a topsheet and FM layer laminate web 35, hereafter, “TFMlaminate web”. As shown, the TFM laminate web 35 may be subjected to afirst unit operation 40. The first unit operation 40 may mechanicallymanipulate the TFM laminate web 35 to create intimate contact betweenthe topsheet web 10 and the discrete portions of FM web 20A therebyforming a final web 58. Various mechanical manipulations are describedhereafter which can create intimate contact between the topsheet and theFM layer. Suitable mechanical manipulations are discussed in additionaldetail hereafter.

Still referring to FIGS. 3A and 4, the cut and place operation 30 maycut the FM web 20 in any suitable shape. For example, the discreteportions of FM web 20A may be dog-bone shaped (two bulbous ends with anarrow mid-section connecting the bulbous ends). As another example, thediscrete portions 20A may be tapered at a first end and/or a second endto facilitate folding of the article. In yet another example, thediscrete portions 20A may comprise a shape which communicates a specificorientation of the article in which the discrete portion is placed. Forexample, a front end of the discrete portion 20A may be narrower than anopposing back end of the discrete portion 20A. As another example, thefront end may comprise a plurality of scallops with small radii wherethe back end has a large radius. Each of these forms may signal to awearer the appropriate orientation of the article in which the discreteportions 20A are disposed. If an FM layer is not provided, the FM web 20of FIGS. 3A and 4 may be replaced by an absorbent core web. Or, an FMlayer and absorbent core web may be provided to the cut and placeoperation 30 and subsequently processed as described herein.

The form of the final web 58 can vary greatly depending on the unitoperations involved and the way that the corresponding webs areprocessed. FIGS. 3B-3F disclose additional processing options whichyield differing final webs 58. Referring now to FIGS. 3B and 4, the TFMlaminate web 35 may be subjected to more than one unit operation. Forexample, after passing through the first unit operation 40, the TFMlaminate web 35 may become an intermediate web 48. The intermediate web48 may then be subjected to a second unit operation 50. Similar to thefirst unit operation 40, the second unit operation 50 may provideadditional intimate contact between the topsheet web 10 and the discreteportions of FM web 20A. After passing through the second unit operation50, the intermediate web 48 becomes the final web 58.

The TFM laminate web 35 may be subjected to one or more unit operationsplus a needlepunching or spunlacing (hydroentangling) operation.Additional details are provided below regarding some exemplary unitoperations. The order of operation of these processes may beinterchanged unless specifically stated otherwise. For example, the TFMlaminate web 35 may be subjected to needlepunching and/orhydroentangling prior to being subjected to a separate unit operation asdescribed herein or vice versa. Where an FM layer is not provided, theFM web 20 of FIGS. 3B and 4 may be replaced by an absorbent core web.Or, an FM layer and absorbent core web may be provided to the cut andplace operation 30 and subsequently processed as described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 3C and 4, the topsheet web 10 (shown as a roll)may pass through the first unit operation 40 prior to being supplied tothe cut and place operation 30. The first unit operation 40 maymechanically manipulate the topsheet web 10 as described herein. Postmechanical manipulation by the first unit operation 40, the topsheet web10 becomes the intermediate topsheet web 11.

Downstream of the first unit operation 40, the intermediate topsheet web11 and the FM web 20 may be provided to the cut and place operation 30.As noted previously, the cut and place operation 30 may cut the FM web20 into discrete portions 20A. These discrete portions may then beplaced on the intermediate topsheet 11 thereby forming the intermediatetopsheet and FM layer laminate or “iTFM laminate” 148. The iTFM laminate148 may then be provided to the second unit operation 50 which providesintimate contact between the intermediate topsheet 11 and the discreteportions 20A of FM web 20. Post processing by the second unit operation50, the iTFM laminate 148 becomes the final web 58. The second unitoperation 50 may comprise a hydroentangling or needlepunching operationfor integrating the layers of the iTFM laminate 148 thereby forming thefinal web 58. Additional unit operations may be provided in the processabove to provide additional mechanical manipulation of the iTFM laminate148.

It is worth noting that the topsheet web 10 and the FM web 20 may switchplaces in the process. For example, the FM web 20 may be provided to thefirst unit operation 40 and subsequently provided to the cut and placeoperation 30. The topsheet—unmanipulated—may be provided to the cut andplace operation 30 along with the modified FM web 20. The remainder ofthe process may be as described herein. Additionally, the topsheet web10 may pass through the first unit operation 40, and the FM web 20 maypass through a separate unit operation. The intermediate topsheet 11 andthe modified FM web 20 may then be provided to the cut and placeoperation 30. The remainder of the process may be as described herein.Where an FM layer is not provided, the FM web 20 of FIGS. 3C and 4 maybe replaced by an absorbent core web. Or, an FM layer and absorbent coreweb may be substituted for the FM layer 20 and subsequently processed asdescribed herein.

Regarding FIGS. 3D and 4, the topsheet web 10 and the FM web 20 may beprovided to the cut and place operation 30 as described previouslyregarding FIG. 3A. The resultant TFM laminate 35 may then be exposed tothe first unit operation 40. The first unit operation 40 may integratethe topsheet and the FM discrete portions 20A thereby creating theintermediate web 48. Downstream of the first unit operation 40, theintermediate web 48 can be provided to a second cut and place operation31. Along with the intermediate web 48, an absorbent core web 18 may beprovided to the second cut and place operation 31. The second cut andplace operation 31 may create a plurality of discrete absorbent coresfrom the absorbent core web 18. Much like the discrete FM portions, thediscrete absorbent cores may not be coextensive with the topsheet. Forexample, longitudinally extending side edges of the discrete absorbentcores should be disposed laterally inboard of the longitudinallyextending edges 14 of the topsheet web 10. The discrete absorbent coresmay be larger than the discrete FM portions 20A, may be smaller than thediscrete FM portions 20A, or may be the same size as the discrete FMportions 20A.

The plurality of discrete absorbent cores and the intermediate web 48may be combined in the second cut and place operation 31 therebycreating an intermediate laminate and absorbent core web laminate 37,hereafter, “TFMAC laminate.” The TFMAC laminate 37 can then be furtherprocessed by the second unit operation 50 thereby producing the finalweb 58. After the addition of the discrete absorbent cores, no furthermanipulation of the TFMAC laminate 37 may occur. If that is the case,then the TFMAC laminate 37 may be the final web 58.

The first unit operation may comprise a hydroentangling/needlepunchingprocess which integrates the layers of the topsheet and FM layer for theTFM laminate 35. The second unit operation 50 may comprise a mechanicalmanipulation process as described herein which integrates the layers ofthe TFMAC laminate 37.

Additionally, the topsheet web 10 and/or the FM web 20 may be subjectedto separate unit operations prior to being provided to the cut and placeoperation 30. In conjunction or independent thereof, the absorbent coreweb 18 may be provided to a unit operation prior to being provided tothe second cut and place operation 31.

Referring to FIGS. 3E and 4, the topsheet web 10 may be provided to thefirst unit operation 40 which mechanically manipulates the topsheet web10 thereby forming the intermediate topsheet web 11. The absorbent coreweb 18 and the FM web 20 may be provided to a second unit operation 50which mechanically manipulates and creates intimate contact between theabsorbent core web 18 and FM web 20 thereby forming an absorbent coreand FM web laminate, hereafter, “FMAC” laminate web 49. The intermediatetopsheet web 11 and the FMAC laminate web 49 may then be provided to thecut and place operation 30. The cut and place operation 30 can cutdiscrete portions from the FMAC laminate web 49. The cut and placeoperation 30 can combine the intermediate topsheet 11 web and thediscrete portions of the FMAC laminate web 49 to create an iTFMAClaminate 137. The iTFMAC laminate web 137 may then be provided to athird unit operation which integrates the layers of the iTFMAC laminateweb 137.

Referring to FIGS. 3F and 4, as shown, the topsheet web 10 may beprovided to the cut and place operation 30 in an unmanipulated state,i.e. sans a first unit operation 40. After the cut and slip operation30, discrete portions of the FMAC laminate web 49 are combined with thetopsheet to create the TFMAC laminate 37. In some forms, the TFMAClaminate web 37 may not be manipulated further other than processingrequired to create an absorbent article from the TFMAC laminate web 37.If that is the case, then the TFMAC laminate web 37 may also be thefinal web 58. Additionally, the FM web 20 and the absorbent core web 18may be subjected to separate unit operations prior to being provided tothe cut and place operation 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 3E and 3F, the absorbent core web 18 may besubjected to a cut and place operation and joined to the FM layer web 20in a plurality of discrete absorbent cores. The benefit of providing theabsorbent core web 18 to a cut and place operation prior to joining withthe FM layer web 20 is that the cut and place operation can shape thediscrete absorbent cores as desired. In contrast, where the FM layer web20 and the absorbent core web 18 are provided to the cut and placeoperation in conjunction, the shape of the discrete FM portions and thediscrete absorbent cores is likely going to be the same. So, for maximumflexibility in the design of the absorbent article, it may be beneficialto provide the absorbent core web 18 to a cut and place operation andthen joining the discrete absorbent cores to the FM layer web 20.

The unit operations of the present disclosure may impart a variety ofdifferent features/structures to the webs which are subjected to theunit operations. Hereafter, there is a discussion of some suitablestructures/features for creating intimate contact between adjacentabsorbent article layers which can be created via unit operations. Andas discussed hereafter, intimate contact features include conformingfeatures, but conforming features is a smaller subset of intimatecontact features as not all intimate contact features compriseconforming features.

For the discussion regarding suitable features/structures, the genericterm “modified web” shall be utilized in place of the intermediatetopsheet 11, intermediate web 48, iTFM laminate web 148, TFMAC laminateweb 37, iTFMAC laminate web 137, FMAC laminate web 49, and final web 58,or any web that has been mechanically manipulated by a unit operation,unless otherwise noted. So, the features/structures discussed hereaftermay be applied to the webs described herein. The term “precursor web”shall be utilized to refer to those webs which are unmodified (notmechanically manipulated) by a unit operation, e.g. topsheet web 10, FMweb 20, absorbent core web 18, combinations thereof, and TFM laminate35, or those webs which are upstream of one or more unit operationswhich will create intimate contact between two adjacent webs or portionsthereof, unless otherwise noted.

Unit Operations

There are several unit operations which can be utilized to createintimate contact between adjacent layers of an absorbent article. Someexamples are discussed in additional detail below.

Spunlacing

One example of a process for creating intimate contact between/amonglayers is hydroengangling or spunlacing. For the spunlacing unitoperation, a precursor web or modified web is subjected to high-speedjets of water which causes interlocking of filaments and/or fibers ofnonwoven webs. In addition to providing structural integrity to theresultant laminate, the spunlacing process can create intimate contactbetween nonwoven webs by creating Z-direction integration of thefilaments and/or fibers of the nonwoven webs. The spunlacing process isgenerally known in the art. Any unit operation or a plurality thereofdescribed herein may comprise a spunlacing process.

Needlepunching

Another example is needlepunching. Similar to spunlacing, theneedlepunching process can create intimate contact between layers bycreating Z-direction integration of filaments and/or fibers of nonwovenwebs. Needlepunching involves the mechanical interlocking of filamentsand/or fibers of a spunbonded, carded, or textile fabric web. In theneedlepunching process, a plurality of barbed needles repeatedly pass inand out of a precursor web or a modified web, and push filaments and/orfibers of the webs in a positive and/or negative Z-direction. Theneedlepunching process is generally well known in the art. Any unitoperation or a plurality thereof described herein may comprise aneedlepunching process.

Protrusions/Depressions

Some examples of suitable unit operations for creation of intimatecontact between layers of an absorbent article includes those unitoperations which can create protrusions in precursor webs. RegardingFIG. 5, some unit operations described herein can produce modified webs335 comprising protrusions 460 in a positive and/or negativeZ-direction. Protrusions in the negative Z-direction may also bereferred to as depressions. In general, the protrusions 460 comprise adistal end 462 and sidewalls 466 connecting the distal end to a baseportion 450. And the base portion 450 connects the sidewalls 466 to afirst surface 60 or an opposing second surface 62 of the modified web335. The protrusions of the present disclosure may comprise outer tufts,tunnel tufts, filled tufts, nested tufts, ridges and grooves, andcorrugations.

It is worth noting that passing the precursor web between two rolls (ofopposing protrusions and groves) with a relatively small space therebetween will likely apply some shear and compressive forces to thematerial. The present processes however differ from embossing processesin which the teeth or male members compress the precursor web against anopposing roll or the bottom of the female elements, thereby increasingthe density of the region in which the material is compressed. Instead,the processes described herein provide displacement of material and tothe extent that there are density changes, such changes are negligiblewhen compared to the density changes created via embossing.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the unit operations 40, 50, and 60, (shown inFIGS. 3A-3F) may comprise an apparatus 500 for forming tufts in themodified web 335. The apparatus 500 comprises a pair of intermeshingrolls 502 and 504, each rotating about an axis A—the axes A beingparallel and in the same plane. Roll 502 comprises a plurality of ridges506 and corresponding grooves 508 which extend unbroken about the entirecircumference of roll 502.

The depth of engagement (DOE) is a measure of the level of intermeshingof the rolls 502 and 504. The DOE should be selected to provide thedesired structure. For the purposes of fluid management, the DOE shouldbe selected to ensure that constituent materials of the layers beingmanipulated, are provided with sufficient intimate contact.Additionally, clearance between ridges and grooves is going to dependgreatly on the caliper of the material being manipulated. For example,where a topsheet, FM layer, and absorbent core layer are beingmanipulated, the clearance between the ridges and grooves may need to behigher than what it would be for a topsheet and FM layer only. Too smallof a clearance could shred the webs.

Roll 504, similar to roll 502, but rather than having ridges that extendunbroken about the entire circumference, roll 504 comprises a pluralityof rows of circumferentially-extending ridges that have been modified tobe rows of circumferentially-spaced teeth 510 that extend in spacedrelationship about at least a portion of roll 504. The individual rowsof teeth 510 of roll 504 are separated by corresponding grooves 512. Inoperation, rolls 502 and 504 intermesh such that the ridges 506 of roll502 extend into the grooves 512 of roll 504, and the teeth 510 of roll504 extend into the grooves 508 of roll 502. A nip 516 is formed betweenthe counter-rotating intermeshing rolls 502 and 504. Both or either ofrolls 502 and 504 can be heated by means known in the art such as byusing hot oil filled rollers or electrically-heated rollers.

The apparatus 500 is shown in a configuration having one patterned roll,e.g. roll 504, and one non-patterned grooved roll 502. However, it maybe preferable to use two patterned rolls similar to roll 504 havingeither the same or differing patterns, in the same or differentcorresponding regions of the respective rolls. Such an apparatus canproduce modified webs 335 with tufts protruding from both sides ofmodified webs 335, i.e. tufts extending in a positive Z-direction andtufts extending in a negative Z-direction. Also different rolls withdifferent patterned regions may be utilized to create zones of differentmanipulation having different fluid handling and/or different mechanicalproperties and performance. Such configurations are discussed hereafter.

The modified webs 335 of the present disclosure can be made bymechanically deforming a precursor web 100 that can be described asgenerally planar and two dimensional prior to processing by theapparatus shown in FIG. 6A. By “planar” and “two dimensional” is meantsimply that the precursor web 100 may start the process in a generallyflat condition relative to the modified web 335 that has distinct,out-of-plane, Z-direction three-dimensionality due to the formation oftufts 570. “Planar” and “two-dimensional” are not meant to imply anyparticular flatness, smoothness or dimensionality. The intermeshingrolls 502 and 504 can urge the material of the precursor web 100 in thepositive Z-direction or negative Z-direction depending on whether roll504 engages the second surface 62 or the first surface 60 (shown in FIG.5).

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-6A, the process described regarding FIG. 6Acan provide for a variety of tufts, e.g. tunnel tufts, filled tufts,outer tufts. For example, tunnel tufts may be created when localizedareas of constituent material of the precursor web 100 are urged in thepositive Z-direction such that material of the precursor web 100 in thelocalized area may be urged toward the first surface 60 of the modifiedweb 335. The localized area may be disposed superjacent to the firstsurface 60. It is worth noting that the webs depicted in FIGS. 3Athrough 5 comprises multiple layers, e.g. topsheet web 10 and discreteportions 20A of FM web 20. So where constituent material of theprecursor web 100 is urged in a positive Z-direction, the tunnel tuftmay comprise, as an example, constituent material of the discreteportion 20A of the FM web 20, and the topsheet web 10, as an example,may form the outer tuft.

In contrast, where localized areas of the constituent material of theprecursor web 100 are urged in the negative Z-direction, material of theprecursor web 100 in the localized areas may be urged toward the secondsurface 62. The constituent material may be disposed subjacent to thesecond surface 62 of the modified web 335. Where constituent material ofthe precursor web 100 is urged in the negative Z-direction, the tunneltuft, as an example, would be formed by the topsheet web 10, and theouter tuft, as an example, may be formed by discrete portions 20A of theFM web 20.

A photograph of a suitable roll for use with the apparatus 500 is shownin FIG. 6B. As shown, the roll comprises teeth 510 and a plurality ofopen areas 511. Each of the open areas 511 is separated by teeth 510disposed therebetween. The patterns of teeth 510 and open areas 511correspond to the depressions and nodes, respectively in FIGS. 12A-12C,13A-13C, and 15A-15C.

In addition to or independent of the tufts discussed heretofore, themodified web 335 may comprise filled tufts. Filled tufts may occur whenthe precursor web 100 comprises crimped filaments. Where the precursorweb 100 of the present invention comprises crimped filaments, theprecursor web 100 has a higher caliper for a given basis weight. Thishigher caliper can in turn deliver consumer benefits of comfort due tocushiony softness, faster absorbency due to higher permeability, andimproved masking. Additional benefits may include less redmarking,higher breathability and resiliency. Crimped filaments may be utilizedin a variety of layers of an absorbent article. For example, thetopsheet web 10 may comprise crimped filaments, the FM web 20 maycomprise crimped filaments, and/or the absorbent core may comprisecrimped filaments.

The difference between filled tufts and tunnel tufts is that filledtufts generally appear filled with filaments. Because of the nature ofthe crimped filaments, mechanical manipulation tends to simply uncoilthe filaments to some extent. In contrast, non-crimped filaments may bestretched and thinned during mechanical manipulation. This stretchingand thinning generally means that these resultant tufts have far fewerfibers within its interior space thereby looking much more like atunnel. Methods of making tunnel tufts, outer tufts, and filled tuftsare discussed in additional detain in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,172,801;7,838,099; 7,754,050; 7,682,686; 7,410,683; 7,507,459; 7,553,532;7,718,243; 7,648,752; 7,732,657; 7,789,994; 8,728,049; and 8,153,226.Filled tufts and corresponding outer tufts are discussed in additionaldetail in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 2016/0166443.

Referring back to FIGS. 3A through 6A, the apparatus 500 for formingtufts in the precursor web 100 may be the first unit operation 40, thesecond unit operation 50, and/or the third unit operation 60. In someforms, the apparatus 500, aside from the cut and place operations 30 and31, may be the only operation which provides the intimate contactbetween layers of the precursor web 100. Additionally, forms arecontemplated where tufts, e.g. tunnel, outer, and/or filled tufts areprovided in a positive Z and negative Z direction on the modified web335.

Still another form of protrusion which is suitable for the modified webs335 of the present disclosure comprise nested tufts. FIGS. 7A-7D depictan apparatus 600 which is suitable for use as a unit operation inaccordance with the present disclosure. As shown, the precursor web 100may be subjected to the apparatus 600. The apparatus 600 may compriseforming members 602 and 604 which may be in the form of non-deformable,meshing, counter-rotating rolls that form a nip 606 therebetween. Theprecursor web 100 may be fed into the nip 606 between the rolls 602 and604. Although the space between the rolls 602 and 604 is describedherein as a nip, as discussed in greater detail below, in some cases, itmay be desirable to avoid compressing the precursor web 100 to theextent possible.

The first forming member (such as “male roll”) 602 has a surfacecomprising a plurality of first forming elements which comprisediscrete, spaced apart male forming elements 612. The male formingelements are spaced apart in the machine direction and in thecross-machine direction. The term “discrete” does not include continuousor non-discrete forming elements such as the ridges and grooves oncorrugated rolls (or “ring rolls”) which have ridges that may be spacedapart in one, but not both, of the machine direction and in thecross-machine direction.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the male forming elements 612 have a base 616 thatis joined to (in this case is integral with) the first forming member602, a top 618 that is spaced away from the base, and sidewalls (or“sides”) 620 that extend between the base 616 and the top 618 of themale forming elements. The forming elements 612 also have a plan viewperiphery, and a height H₁ (the latter being measured from the base 616to the top 618).

Referring again to FIGS. 7A through 7D, the second forming member (suchas “female roll”) 604 has a surface 624 having a plurality of cavitiesor recesses 614 therein. The recesses 614 are aligned and configured toreceive the male forming elements 612 therein. Thus, the male formingelements 612 mate with the recesses 614 so that a single male formingelement 612 fits within a periphery of a single recess 614, and at leastpartially within the recess 614 in the Z-direction. The recesses 614have a plan view periphery 626 that is larger than the plan viewperiphery of the male elements 612. As a result, the recesses 614 on thefemale roll 604 may completely encompass the male forming elements 612when the rolls 602 and 604 are intermeshed. As shown in FIG. 7C, therecesses 614 have a depth D1 which in some forms may be greater than theheight H1 of the male forming elements 612. The recesses 614 have a planview configuration, sidewalls 628, a top edge or rim 634 around theupper portion of the recess where the sidewalls 628 meet the surface 624of the second forming member 604, and a bottom edge 630 around a bottom632 of the recesses where the sidewalls 628 meet the bottom 632 of therecesses.

As discussed above, the recesses 614 may be deeper than the height H₁ ofthe forming elements 612 so the precursor web 100 is not nipped (orcompressed) between the male forming elements and the recesses to theextent possible.

The depth of engagement (DOE) is a measure of the level of intermeshingof the forming members. As shown in FIG. 7C, the DOE is measured fromthe top 618 of the male elements 612 to the (outermost) surface 624 ofthe female forming member 614 (e.g., the roll with recesses). The DOEshould be sufficiently high, when combined with extensible nonwovenmaterials, to create nested tufts.

Still referring to FIG. 7C, there is a clearance, C, between the sides620 of the forming elements 612 and the sides (or sidewalls) 628 of therecesses 614. The clearances and the DOE's are related such that largerclearances can permit higher DOE's to be used. The clearance, C, betweenthe male and female roll may be the same, or it may vary around theperimeter of the forming element 612. For example, the forming memberscan be designed so that there is less clearance between the sides of theforming elements 612 and the adjacent sidewalls 628 of the recesses 614than there is between the sidewalls at the end of the male elements 612and the adjacent sidewalls of the recesses 614. In other cases, theforming members can be designed so that there is more clearance betweenthe sides 620 of the male elements 612 and the adjacent sidewalls 628 ofthe recesses 614 than there is between the sidewalls at the end of themale elements 612 and the adjacent sidewalls of the recesses. In stillother cases, there could be more clearance between the side wall on oneside of a male element 612 and the adjacent side wall of the recess 614than there is between the side wall on the opposing side of the samemale element 612 and the adjacent side wall of the recess. For example,there can be a different clearance at each end of a forming element 612;and/or a different clearance on each side of a male element 612.

Some of the aforementioned forming element 612 configurations alone, orin conjunction with the second forming member 604 and/or recess 614configurations may provide additional advantages. This may be due to bygreater lock of the modified web 335 on the male elements 612, which mayresult in more uniform and controlled strain on the modified web 335.The apparatus 600 is further described in U.S. Patent Application SerialNo. 2016/0074252.

As shown in FIG. 7D, the precursor web 100 may be provided to the nip606 between the first roll 602 and the second roll 604. As the precursorweb 100 passes through the nip 606, the forming members 612 engage thesecond surface 62 (shown in FIG. 5) of the precursor web 100 and urgeconstituent material of the precursor web 100 into the recesses 614. Theprocess forms the modified web 335 having a planar first surface and aplurality of integrally formed nested tufts extending outward from thefirst surface 60 (shown in FIG. 5) of the modified web 335. (Of course,if the second surface 62 of the modified web 335 is placed in contactwith the second forming member 604, the nested tufts will extend outwardfrom the second surface 62 of the modified web 335, and the openingswill be formed in the first surface 60 of the modified web 335.)

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-4 and 7A, the apparatus 600 for forming nestedtufts in the modified web 335 may be the first unit operation 40, thesecond unit operation 50, or the third unit operation 60. The apparatus600, aside from the cut and place operations 30 and 31, may be the onlyoperation which provides the intimate contact between the topsheet web10, the discrete portions 20A of the FM layer web 20, and/or discreteportions of absorbent core web 18. The process and equipment for makingnested tufts as described herein is further described in U.S. PatentApplication Publication Nos. 2016/0074256 and 2016/0074252A1.

Other suitable protrusions which can be comprised by the modified webs335 of the present disclosure comprises ridges and grooves orcorrugations. Referring to FIGS. 8A-8D, an apparatus 2200 may beutilized to create corrugations in the precursor web. The apparatus 2200comprises a single pair of counter-rotating, intermeshing rolls 2202,2204 that form a single nip N therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B,the first roll 2202 comprises a plurality of grooves 2210 and ridges2220 and a plurality of staggered, spaced-apart teeth 2230 extendingoutwardly from the top surface 2222 of the ridges 2220. Theconfiguration of the roll 2202 is such that the top surface 2222 of theridges 2220 is disposed between the tips 2234 of the teeth 2230 and thebottom surface 2212 of the grooves 2210, directionally relative to theaxis A of the roll.

As shown, the second roll 2204 comprises a plurality of grooves 2240 andridges 2250. The grooves 2240 have a bottom surface 2242 and the ridges2250 have a top surface 2252. Here, the distance between the topsurfaces 2252 of the ridges 2250 and the bottom surfaces 2242 of thegrooves 2240 is substantially the same around the circumference of theroll. The teeth 2230 and ridges 2220 of the first roll 2202 extendtoward the axis A of the second roll 2204, intermeshing to a depthbeyond the top 2252 of at least some of the ridges 2250 on the secondroll 2204.

Teeth suitable for this process may be conducive to aperturing webs. Theteeth on the rolls may have any suitable configuration. A given toothcan have the same plan view length and width dimensions (such as a toothwith a circular or square shaped plan view). Alternatively, the toothmay have a length that is greater than its width (such as a tooth with arectangular plan view), in which case, the tooth may have any suitableaspect ratio of its length to its width. Suitable configurations for theteeth include but are not limited to: teeth having a triangular-shapedside view; square or rectangular-shaped side view; columnar shaped;pyramid-shaped; teeth having plan view configurations includingcircular, oval, hour-glass shaped, star shaped, polygonal, and the like;and combinations thereof. Polygonal shapes include, but are not limitedto rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or trapezoidal. Theside-walls of the teeth may taper at a constant angle from the base tothe tip, or they may change angles. The teeth may taper towards a singlepoint at the tooth tip, like that shown in FIG. 8A. The teeth can havetips that are rounded, flat or form a sharp point. In some forms, thetip of the tooth may form a sharp vertex with at least one of thevertical walls of the tooth (for example, the vertical walls on theleading and trailing ends of the teeth so the teeth aperture or puncturethe web. In some forms, each tooth may form 2 apertures, one at theleading edge and one at the trailing edge of each tooth.

The apparatus 2200 can deform the precursor web creating alternatingregions of higher and lower caliper, and alternating regions of higherand lower basis weight, with the higher caliper and higher basis weightregions being located in the tops of the ridges and bottoms of thegrooves, and the regions with lower caliper and lower basis weightlocated in the sidewalls in-between. In the case of a nonwoven, thebasis weight is also decreased in the stretched areas, again resultingin a modified web with alternating regions of higher and lower basisweight, with the higher basis weight regions located in the tops of theridges and bottoms of the grooves, and the lower basis weight regionslocated in the sidewalls in-between.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-4, and 8A, the apparatus 2200 for formingridges and grooves in the precursor web may be the first unit operation40, the second unit operation 50, or the third unit operation 60. Theapparatus 2200, aside from the cut and place operations 30 and 31 may bethe only operation which provides the intimate contact between thetopsheet web 10, the discrete portions 20A of the FM layer web 20,and/or discrete portions of the absorbent core web 18.

Any suitable process for forming ridges and grooves may be utilized.Some additional processes for producing ridges and grooves in webs aredescribed in additional detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,458,447; 7,270,861;8,502,013; 7,954,213; 7,625,363; 8,450,557; 7,741,235; U.S. PatentApplication Publication Nos. US2003/018741; US2009/0240222;US2012/0045620; US20120141742; US20120196091; US20120321839;US2013/0022784; US2013/0017370; US2013/013732; US2013/0165883;US2013/0158497; US2013/0280481; US2013/0184665; US2013/0178815;US2013/0236700; PCT Patent Application Publication Nos. WO2008/156075;WO2010/055699; WO2011/125893; WO2012/137553; WO2013/018846;WO2013/047890; and WO2013/157365.

As noted previously, protrusions may be oriented in the positiveZ-direction or the negative Z-direction. In the positive Z-direction,the protrusions may have some shape associated with them assuming thatthere is no constituent material surrounding the protrusion. However,when oriented in the negative Z-direction, these protrusions/depressionsmay simply take comprise sidewalls and a bottom without much for tothem. Compressive forces of the surround constituent material can forcecause these depressions to have very similar shapes when oriented in thenegative Z-direction.

It is worth noting that the spunlace and needlepunch operations aretypically primarily utilized to create integrity within a web. However,as discussed above, both the spunlace and needlepunch processes can alsoprovide some level of intimate contact between adjacent layers. Theseprocesses operate in a micro-scale. In other words, they displace smallamounts of constituent material in a plurality of locations on a web.

Comparatively speaking, without wishing to be bound by theory, it isbelieved that the operations which create conforming features canprovide additional benefits above needlepunch and spunlace. Rather thanoperating on a micro-scale, processes for conforming features operate ona meso-scale. These meso-scale processes involve the displacement of alarger amount of constituent material. For example, needle punching mayinvolve the displacement of 1 to 10 fibers whereas a meso-scalemechanical process may involve greater than 10 and up to 100 fibers ormore. In contrast, the tooling for meso-scale processes described hereincan have a length ranging from, as an example, about 3 mm to 11 mm Thereare patterns which can utilize longer teeth and patterns which mayutilize shorter. However, a length of about 1 mm is probably about aslow as one would expect to see regrading meso-processing.

Accordingly, while spunlace and/or needle punching processes may beutilized, meso-scale mechanical processes may also be provided to theprecursor web such that additional benefits are realized, e.g.conformance and/or resiliency. And, recall that meso-scale processes aredifferent than embossing. While embossing provides a highly densifiedbottom surface where constituent material has been compressed, anydensification in a bottom surface created by meso-scale processing isminor in comparison. Additionally, the conforming features made bymeso-scale processes are generally visible to the naked eye from areasonable distance, e.g. 30 cm, without the use of amicroscope—assuming that the viewer has 20/20 or better corrected oruncorrected vision. Depending on the layers which are subjected tomeso-scale processing, the topsheet and/or secondary topsheet may needto be removed from the article to see the conforming features. Incontrast, micro-scale processes may require the assistance of amicroscope to determine their existence. Some suitable examples ofconforming features include protrusions, ridges, grooves, depressions,tufts, and the like.

Additional Process

Apertures

A suitable unit operation which provides some level of benefit in fluidmanagement includes apertures. However, for the sake of the presentdisclosure, apertures are not considered to be conforming features.Referring to FIGS. 3A-3F and 9A-9B, the first unit operation 40 or thesecond unit operation may comprise an aperturing process. For example,the unit operations described herein may comprise a weakening rollerarrangement 108 and an incremental stretching system 132. The precursorweb 100 can pass through a nip 106 of the weakening roller (oroverbonding) arrangement 108 formed by rollers 110 and 112, therebyweakening the precursor web 100 at a plurality of discrete, densified,weakened, areas thereby forming a weakened precursor web 100′. Theweakened precursor web 100′ has a pattern of overbonds, or densified andweakened areas, after passing through the nip 106. At least some of orall these overbonds are used to form apertures in the webs of thepresent disclosure. Therefore, the overbond pattern can correlategenerally to the pattern of apertures created in the webs of the presentdisclosure.

Referring specifically to FIG. 9A, the weakening roller arrangement 108may comprise a patterned calendar roller 110 and a smooth anvil roller112. One or both the patterned calendar roller 110 and the smooth anvilroller 112 may be heated and the pressure between the two rollers may beadjusted to provide the desired temperature, if any, and pressure toconcurrently weaken and melt-stabilize (i.e., overbond) the precursorweb 100 at a plurality of locations 202. As will be discussed in furtherdetail below, after the precursor web 100 passes through the weakeningroller arrangement 108, the weakened precursor web 100′ may be stretchedin the CD, or generally in the CD, by a cross directional tensioningforce to at least partially, or fully, rupture the plurality ofweakened, melt stabilized locations 202.

The patterned calendar roller 110 is configured to have a cylindricalsurface 114, and a plurality of protuberances or pattern elements 116which extend outwardly from the cylindrical surface 114. The patternelements 116 are illustrated as a simplified example of a patternedcalendar roller 110, but more detailed patterned calendar rollers arecontemplated and will be discussed hereafter. The protuberances 116 maybe disposed in a predetermined pattern with each of the protuberances116 being configured and disposed to precipitate a weakened,melt-stabilized location in the weakened precursor material 102 toaffect a predetermined pattern of weakened, melt-stabilized locations202. The protuberances 116 may have a one-to-one correspondence to thepattern of melt stabilized locations in the weakened precursor material102. As shown in FIG. 9A, the patterned calendar roller 110 may have arepeating pattern of the protuberances 116 which extend about the entirecircumference of surface 114. Alternatively, the protuberances 116 mayextend around a portion, or portions of the circumference of the surface114. Also, a single patterned calendar roller may have a plurality ofpatterns in various zones (i.e., first zone, first pattern, second zone,second pattern, etc.). The protuberances 116 may extend radiallyoutwardly from surface 114 and have distal end surfaces 117. The anvilroller 112 may be a smooth surfaced, circular cylinder of steel, rubberor other material. The anvil roller 112 and the patterned calendarroller 110 may be switched in position (i.e., anvil on top) and achievethe same result.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, from the weakening roller arrangement 108,the weakened weakened precursor web 100′ passes through a nip 130 formedby the incremental stretching system 132 employing opposed pressureapplicators having three-dimensional surfaces which at least to a degreemay be complementary to one another. After the weakened precursor web100′ passes through the nip 130, the weakened precursor web 100′ becomesthe modified web 335.

The incremental stretching system 132 comprises two incrementalstretching rollers 134 and 136. The incremental stretching roller 134may comprise a plurality of teeth 160 and corresponding grooves 161which may about the entire circumference of roller 134. The incrementalstretching roller 136 may comprise a plurality of teeth 162 and aplurality of corresponding grooves 163. The teeth 160 on the roller 134may intermesh with or engage the grooves 163 on the roller 136 while theteeth 162 on the roller 136 may intermesh with or engage the grooves 161on the roller 134. As the weakened precursor web 100′ having weakened,melt-stabilized locations 202 passes through the incremental stretchingsystem 132 the weakened precursor web 100′ is subjected to tensioning inthe CD causing the weakened precursor web 100′ to be extended (oractivated) in the CD, or generally in the CD. Additionally, the weakenedprecursor web 100′ may be tensioned in the MD, or generally in the MD.The CD tensioning force placed on the weakened precursor web 100′ isadjusted such that it causes the weakened, melt-stabilized locations 202to at least partially, or fully, rupture thereby creating a plurality ofpartially formed, or formed apertures 204 coincident with the weakenedmelt-stabilized locations 202 in the modified web 335. Themelt-stabilized locations 202 form melt lips defining the periphery ofthe apertures 204. However, the bonds of the weakened precursor web 100′(in the non-overbonded areas) may be strong enough such that many do notrupture during tensioning, thereby maintaining the weakened precursorweb 100′ in a coherent condition even as the weakened, melt-stabilizedlocations rupture. However, it may be desirable to have some of thebonds rupture during tensioning.

The apertures 204 may be any suitable size. For example, apertures 204may have an Effective Aperture AREA in the range of about 0.1 mm² toabout 15 mm², about 0.3 mm² to about 14 mm², about 0.4 mm² to about 12mm², and about 1.0 mm² to about 5 mm², specifically including all 0.05mm² increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed thereinor thereby. All Effective Aperture Areas are determined using theAperture Test described herein. Effective Aperture Area is discussed infurther detail in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 2016/0167334;2016/0278986; and 2016/0129661. Smaller apertures may be moreaesthetically pleasing to users of absorbent articles; however, thesmaller apertures can have a negative impact on fluid acquisition speed.

The process described regarding FIGS. 9A and 9B exemplify one suitableprocess for forming apertures. Some additional processes for aperturingwebs are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,679,391 and 8,158,043, and U.S.Patent Application Publication Nos. 2001/0024940 and 2012/0282436. Othermethods for aperturing webs are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,566,726;4,634,440; and 4,780,352. Additionally, the apertures may be provided tothe modified webs of the present disclosure in patterns. Processes forforming aperture patterns and some suitable aperture patterns aredisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 2016/0167334;2016/0278986; and 2016/0129661.

Zones

The unit operations described herein and features provided thereby, maybe provided to an absorbent article in a zoned configuration. Zones areareas exhibiting one of either a visual pattern, a topography, anabsorption rate or property, a bending parameter, a compression modulus,a resiliency, a stretch parameter or a combination thereof that isdifferent than another portion of the absorbent article. The visualpattern may comprise any known geometric shape or pattern that is visualand can be conceived by the human mind. The topography may be any knownpattern that is measurable and can be conceived by the human mind. Zonesmay be repeated or discrete. Zones may be orthogonal shapes andcontinuities that provide a visual appearance.

The use of zones allows for tailoring of the fluid handling andmechanical properties of and within the pad. The integrated absorbentstructure may have one or more visual patterns including zones along oneof either the longitudinal or lateral axis of the integrated layers. Theintegrated layers may have two or more zones comprising one or morevisual patterns. The two or more zones may be separated by a boundary.The boundary may be a topographical boundary, a mechanical boundary, avisual boundary, a fluid handling property boundary, or a combinationthereof, provided that the boundary is not a densification of theabsorbent core structure. The boundary property may be distinct from thetwo zones adjacent to the boundary. The absorbent structure may have aperimeter boundary that exhibits a different property than the one ormore adjacent zones to the boundary.

One specific example of a process that can provide zoning is shown inFIG. 10. As shown, an incremental stretching system 832 may compriserolls 834 and 836. As shown, the precursor web 100 may be provided witha plurality of melt stabilized locations 722 prior to entering nip 816.Recall that the melt stabilized locations 722 may be provided in zoneson the weakened precursor web 100′ (shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B). In thecase of the incremental stretching system 832, the melt stabilizedlocations 722 may be provided in a central zone 813.

Upon stretching in the CD in the portion of the apparatus 832corresponding to the region 813, the melt stabilized locations 722rupture to form apertures. Again, the melt stabilized locations 722 maybe limited to a central region of modified web 335. However, where meltstabilized locations 722 are provided throughout the precursor web 100,apertures 2214 may be created in region 813, while a combination ofprotrusions and apertures may be created in the regions 811.

As shown, the apparatus 832 comprises a pair of rolls 834 and 836, eachrotating about parallel axes A. Roll 834 may be configured as describedregarding roll 502 (shown in FIG. 6A). Namely, roll 834 may comprise aplurality of circumferentially-extending ridges 760 separated by grooves761. A second, intermeshing roll 836 comprises the central region 813having essentially matching roll 834 and having ridges 762 separated bygrooves 763. The intermeshing ridges 760, 762 and grooves 761, 763 ofrolls 834 and 836 incrementally stretch intermediate web 48 to formapertures 2214. In addition to region 813, roll 836 has two regions 811comprising ridges having formed therein teeth 810, the toothed ridgesseparated by grooves 812. Ridges 760 of roll 834 intermesh with thegrooves 812 of roll 836 to form the tufts as described herein. Bycombining both into one apparatus to form both apertures 2212 and tufts230 in the precursor web 100.

The depth of engagement of the toothed ridges and the grooves can varyover the circumference of the rolls. Where that is the case, protrusionsmay be created which have varying heights and widths. For example, in afront region of an absorbent article, the depth of engagement may beless than the depth of engagement in the center of the article. Thehigher depth of engagement in the center may create protrusions whichfacilitate liquid acquisition of the absorbent article.

Modified webs 335 of the present disclosure may comprise a variety ofzones. For example, modified webs 335 may comprise zones which provideincreased conformity and fluid kinetics while other zones may provide asoft feel to the user along with increased structural integrity. And asnoted previously, zones of an absorbent article may comprise a varietyof layers of the absorbent article as well. So, one zone may compriseintimate contact features while another zone comprises conformingfeatures, a combination of conforming features and intimatecontact-features, different arrangements of conforming features, etc.

In one specific example, one or more zones may comprise apertures alongwith protrusions/depressions, e.g. tunnel tufts, filled tufts, nestedtufts, or ridges and grooves. In one specific form, a first portion ofprotrusions (tunnel, filled, or nested) may be oriented in a positiveZ-direction while a second portion are oriented in a negativeZ-direction. In another specific form, one zone may comprise acombination of tunnel, filled, or nested tufts. In such forms, a firstportion may be oriented in the positive Z-direction and a second portionmay be oriented in the negative Z-direction. Or, forms are contemplatedwhere at least one zone of a modified web 335 comprises both aperturesand protrusions either in the positive and/or negative Z-direction.

Additional zone configurations are contemplated. For example, zones maybe discretely positioned along a length of an absorbent article. Anexemplary absorbent article 1510 is shown in FIG. 11A. The absorbentarticle 1510 is shown in the form of a feminine hygiene pad; however,the zones discussed herein may be applied to absorbent articles asdesired. The absorbent article 1510 may comprise zones which extendlaterally across the pad. For example, absorbent articles may comprise afirst outer region 1520 disposed at one end of the absorbent article1510 and an opposing second outer region 1540 disposed at an oppositeend of the absorbent article 1510. Between the first outer region 1520and the second outer region 1540 is a target region 1530. The dashedlines shown in FIG. 11A are imaginary and show exemplary delineationsbetween adjacent regions.

The target region 1530, along with the first outer region 1520 and thesecond outer region 1540, may each comprise about one third the lengthof the absorbent article. Each of the above-mentioned regions may beprocessed differently to provide a different benefit for the user. Forexample, the first outer region 1520 may be associated with the front ofthe pad and may comprise a first zone 1525. The first zone 1525 maycomprise protrusions which are smaller in scale compared to protrusionspositioned outside of this area. The smaller scale protrusions may beprovided to provide a soft, cushiony feeling to the wearer of theabsorbent article 1510. As the front of the pad may be associated withthe pubic symphysis area of the user, a softer, more-cushiony feel maybe beneficial. Additionally, the first zone 1525 may be provided with alarger number of protrusions than the target zone 1535, vice versa, orthey may have an equal number.

And while the first zone 1525 is shown in the form of a rectangle, anysuitable shape may be utilized. For example, the first zone 1525 may bein the form of a heart, a moon, a star, a horseshoe, a cloud, a flower,etc. In some forms, a plurality of discrete protrusions may form theaforementioned shapes. It is worth noting that the while the first zone1525 is associated with the first outer region 1520, the first zone 1525may not be necessarily limited to the first outer region 1520. Instead,the first zone 1525 may extend into the target region 1530 to someextent and/or into the second outer region 1540 to some extent. A targetzone 1535 and a second zone 1545 may be similarly configured, e.g. theymay extend into adjacent regions to some extent. Or the zones may extendthe full length of the absorbent article.

As another example, the target region 1530 may comprise the target zone1535. The target zone 1535 may correspond to the area of the absorbentarticle 1510 that is expected to receive liquid insults from the body.For example, in the context of a feminine hygiene pad, the target zone1535 may disposed in the area of the article which corresponds to thevaginal opening in use. In the context of adult incontinence, the targetzone 1535 may be disposed in the area of the article which correspondsto the urethral opening.

Because the target zone 1535 may receive the liquid insults from thebody, the target zone 1535 may be processed such that liquid insults arequickly acquired and distributed to an absorbent core of the article.So, the target zone 1535 may be provided with apertures as describedherein to allow for quick fluid acquisition. In some forms, the targetzone 1535 may be provided with protrusions which are larger than thoseof the first zone 1525, which facilitate liquid acquisition. In someforms, the target zone 1535 may be provided with larger protrusions thanwhat is provided in the first zone 1525 along with apertures. In someforms, the target zone 1535 may be provided with protrusions which aresized similar to the protrusions in the first zone 1525 along withapertures.

Much like the first zone 1525, the target zone 1535 is depicted in theshape of a rectangle; however, any suitable shape may be utilized. Forexample, the target zone 1535 may be in the form of a heart, a star, ahorseshoe, a cloud, a flower, etc. Forms are contemplated whereapertures present in the target zone 1535 are arranged in patterns.Suitable patterns and methods of making apertures in patterns werementioned previously. Similarly, forms are contemplated where discreteprotrusions in the target zone 1535 are arranged in patterns as notedvia the target zone 1535 shape.

The target region 1530 and target zone 1535 of the absorbent article canplay important roles in the functionality of the absorbent article. Forexample, the target region 1530 and target zone 1535 should provide astable yet conformable center of the absorbent article which is close tothe source of liquid insult. In some specific forms, the topsheet, theFM layer, and the absorbent core are mechanically manipulated to formintimate contact therebetween. In such forms, protrusions oriented in anegative Z-direction may be beneficial in improving acquisition speedand improving absorbency.

And, as another example, the second outer region 1540 may comprise asecond zone 1545. The second zone 1545 may correspond to an area of thearticle that corresponds to the gluteal groove of the wearer. In suchforms, it may be beneficial to specially process the second zone 1545 toallow the second zone 1545 to conform to the gluteal groove therebyallowing better fit of the article to the wearer. The second zone 1545may be provided with protrusions which increase the flexibility of thesecond zone 1545 allowing the article 1510 to bend more easily than itwould without protrusions. The second zone 1545 may be provided withconforming features as described herein which increasesflexibility/conformability within the second zone 1545. In one specificexample, the second zone 1545 may comprise protrusions oriented in thepositive Z-direction which may provide assistance in wiping fluid fromthe body.

Typically, the most rigid portion of an absorbent article is anabsorbent core which is disposed between a topsheet and a backsheet.Some conventional methods utilized to increase the flexibility of thecore are to remove (cut-out) core material where additional flexibilityis required. However, this can increase cost as absorbent core materialis typically thrown away post removal. In contrast, in the case of thepresent disclosure, the absorbent core in the second zone 1545 maycomprise conforming features which increase the flexibility of theabsorbent core in the second zone 1545. In some forms, a topsheet and/orthe FM layer, in addition to the absorbent core may comprise conformingfeatures to increase flexibility in the second zone 1545. And while thesecond zone 1545 is shown as a triangle, much like the previous regionsdiscussed, the second zone 1545 may comprise any suitable shape. Someexamples include hearts, rainbows, stars, clouds, animals, etc. In someforms, the conforming features, etc. may be arranged in patterns in theaforementioned shapes.

Forms of the present disclosure are contemplated where the first zone1525, the second zone 1545, and the target zone 1535 are processedsimilarly such that they each comprise conforming features. Such formsmay eliminate the need for registration to some extent since all zonescomprise the same size features. Forms are contemplated where the firstzone 1525, the second zone 1545, and the target zone 1535 are processedsimilarly but include a variety of layers within their respective zones.For example, in some forms, the first zone 1525 and the second zone 1545may comprise mechanical manipulation, e.g. conforming features, of theFM layer and the absorbent core, e.g. a first combination of layers.However, the target zone 1535 may comprise mechanical manipulation, e.g.conforming features, of the topsheet, the FM layer, and the absorbentcore, e.g. a second combination of layers. Such a configuration mayallow the absorbent article to be designed such that the first zone 1525and the second zone 1545 may focus on comfort and fit of the absorbentarticle, while the target zone 1535 focuses on fluid acquisition andreduction of rewet. Or, zones may comprise intimate contact featuresand/or conforming features that are different. For example, the firstzone and/or second zone may comprise a first plurality of intimatecontact features and/or conforming features, and the target zone maycomprise a second plurality of intimate contact features and/orconforming features, wherein the first plurality is different than thesecond plurality in at least one of shape, density (number per squarecm), depth, length, shape, and/or spacing (nearest edge of feature tonearest edge of adjacent feature) between adjacent intimate contactand/or conforming features.

As noted previously, the shapes of the various zones within the regionsmay be configured as desired. For example, the zones may extend anentire width of the article in an X-direction. Regardless of the shapeof the zones within the regions depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B, a firstdistance 1570 of unmodified or differently modified material may bedisposed between the first zone 1525 and the target zone 1535.

The determination of differently modified material and/or unmodifiedmaterial may be determined via visual inspection of the materialssimilar to the identification of conforming features mentionedheretofore. Namely, unmodified material will not have been subjected tothe meso-processing described herein. For the sake of clarity,unmodified material between adjacent zones, may have been subject to themicro-processing such as hydroentangling and needle punching.Additionally, differently modified material may have been subjected tomeso-scale processes as described herein but may have conformingfeatures that are different than the zones in which the differentlymodified material is adjacent.

Similarly, a second distance 1575 of unmodified material or differentlymodified material may be disposed between the target zone 1535 and thesecond zone 1545. In some forms, the first distance 1570 may be greaterthan the second distance 1575. The areas of unmodified material ordifferently modified material can help preserve the structure of theabsorbent article 1510. This can ensure that the article 1510 maintainssome structural integrity which encourages conformance by the article inthe desired zones and provides crush resistance. In some forms, thefirst distance 1570 may be from about 5 mm to about 10 mm or more. Insome forms, the second distance 1575 may similarly be from about 5 mm toabout 10 mm or more. For example, the first and/or second distance maybe between about 5 mm to about 30 mm, from about 7 mm to about 20 mm, orfrom about 9 mm to about 15 mm. The first distance and the seconddistance represent the shortest straight-line distance between the firstzone and the target zone or the target zone and the second zone.

The zones discussed herein may be provided to the absorbent article 1510in any suitable manner. For example, the article 1510 may comprisemodified webs described herein and may be configured with zones asdescribed above regarding FIGS. 11A and 11B. For example, the modifiedwebs may comprise the first zone 1525, the second zone 1545, and thetarget zone 1535. Additional zone configurations are contemplated.

In addition to the zone configuration, based on the foregoing processdescription, there are many possible combinations which may beaccomplished regarding zones on an absorbent article. A few of thepossible combinations are discussed below along with the associatedbenefits. For example, forms are contemplated where the zones areprovided uniformly through a plurality of layers, through only anindividual layer, or through various combinations of layers.Specifically, at least one of the first zone 1525 or second zone 1545may comprise intimate contact features and/or conforming features whichare applied to at least two of the topsheet, the FM layer, or theabsorbent core. The target zone 1535 may comprise intimate contactfeatures and/or conforming features which are applied to at least two ofthe topsheet, the FM layer, or the absorbent core, wherein the layercombination of the target zone 1535 is different than that of the firstzone 1525. Or the combination may be the same in these zones. Additionalforms are contemplated which include additional material layers disposedbetween the topsheet and the backsheet. The additional material layerscan be processed with one or more zones as described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3D, 11A, and 11B, in some examples, priorto any unit operation, the topsheet web 10 and the FM layer web 20 maybe joined in the cut and place operation 30 thereby forming the TFMlaminate 35. In such forms, any manipulation provided to the TFMlaminate 35 is provided to both the topsheet and the FM layer. In suchforms, the first unit operation 40 may impart to the TFM laminatefeatures which correspond to the first zone 1525, the target zone 1535,and/or the second zone 1545. And, as noted previously, these featurescan help create intimate contact between the topsheet and the FM layer.For any of the zones where features are not provided, those zones mayremain unmodified.

In contrast, in FIG. 3C the topsheet web 10 may be mechanicallymanipulated in the first unit operation 40 prior to being joined to theFM layer web 20 in the cut and place operation 30. The first unitoperation 40 may provide to the topsheet web 10 features whichcorrespond to the first zone 1525 and the target zone 1535. Inconjunction or independent form the foregoing, the first unit operationmay similarly provide conforming features which correspond to the secondzone 1545. For any of the zones where features are not provided, thosezones may remain unmodified.

The FM layer web 20 may be subjected to the first unit operation 40prior to being joined to the topsheet web 10 in the cut and placeoperation 30. In such forms, the first unit operation 40 may provide tothe FM layer web 20 features which correspond to the first zone 1525,the target zone 1535, and/or the second zone 1545. In such forms, thetopsheet web 10 may be provided to the cut and place operation 30unmodified. For any of the zones where features are not provided, thosezones may remain unmodified.

In some forms, the topsheet web 10 and the FM layer web 20 may besubjected to separate unit operations prior to being joined in the cutand slip operation 30. The separate unit operations may impart featurescorresponding to the first zone 1525, the target zone 1535 and/or thesecond zone 1545, or any combination thereof to the topsheet web 10and/or the FM layer web 20.

Regarding FIGS. 3D, 11A and 11B, in some forms, the absorbent core maybe provided to the cut and place operation 31 along with theintermediate laminate 48. The resulting TFMAC laminate 37 may then beprovided to the second unit operation 50. The second unit operation 50may impart features to the TFMAC laminate 37 which correspond to thefirst zone 1525, the target zone 1535, and/or the second zone 1545. And,as noted previously, the features provided to the TFMAC laminate 37 cancreate intimate contact between the topsheet, FM layer and AC layer. Forany of the zones where features are not provided, those zones may remainunmodified.

Regarding FIGS. 3E, 11A and 11B, in some forms, the FM layer web 20 andthe absorbent core web 18 may be provided to a second unit operation 50which imparts features to the FMAC laminate web 49. In such forms, thefeatures provided to the FMAC laminate web 49 are provided to both theabsorbent core web 18 and the FM layer web 20. In some forms, the secondunit operation 50 may impart features as described herein whichcorrespond to the first zone 1525, the target zone 1535 and/or thesecond zone 1545. As noted previously, as the absorbent core istypically the stiffest portion of an absorbent article, in some specificforms, the second unit operation 50 may impart conforming features, orthe like to the FMAC laminate web 49 which correspond to the second zone1545.

Forms are also contemplated where the absorbent core web 18 and the FMlayer web 20 are subjected to separate unit operations. In such forms,features may be imparted to the FM layer which correspond to the firstzone 1525, the target zone 1535, and/or the second zone 1545. Similarly,features may be provided to the absorbent core web 18 which correspondto the first zone 1525, the target zone 1535, and/or the second zone1545. In some specific forms, the absorbent core web may be providedwith conforming features in only the second zone 1545. Or, the absorbentcore web may be provided with conforming features corresponding to zoneswhich are different than that of the FM layer web 20.

Regarding FIGS. 3E, 3F, 9A, and 9B, the topsheet web 10 may be subjectedto the first unit operation 40 in some forms or may be provided to thecut and place operation 30 un-modified. For those forms where thetopsheet web 10 may be subjected to the first unit operation 40,features imparted to the topsheet web 10 may correspond to the firstzone 1525, the target zone 1535, and/or the second zone 1545.

Zones may be further enhanced by creating non-coterminous materials. Forexample, forms are contemplated where the absorbent core web length isshorter than a length of the FM layer. Such constructions can reduce theamount of absorbent core web utilized per absorbent article. This can inturn save material cost. An example of a non-coterminous arrangement isshown in FIG. 11C. As shown, in some forms, the FM layer 20 andabsorbent core layer 18 may be sandwiched between the topsheet web 10and a backsheet web 1716. The FM layer 20 may have a length which isshorter than the topsheet 10 and the backsheet 1716 as mentionedpreviously. However, in some forms, the absorbent core 18 may have ashorter length than the FM layer 20. For example, as shown, theabsorbent core 18 may be disposed in the target region 1530 and mayextend only a slight amount into the first region 1520 and the secondregion 1540, e.g. less than 50% of the length of the first region and/orsecond region. In some forms, the absorbent core 18 may be disposedsolely within the target region 1530. In such forms, the absence of theabsorbent core 18 adjacent the ends of the absorbent article 1510 canallow much greater flexibility nearer the ends of the article 1510. Suchforms may be accomplished via the cut and place operations describedherein.

Additionally, in such forms, an additional material layer may be addedto reduce the likelihood of leakage. For example, as shown in FIG. 11D,an auxiliary absorbent layer 19 can be added between the absorbent core18 and the backsheet 1716. As shown, the auxiliary absorbent layer 19can be primarily disposed in the second zone 1540 and overlap theabsorbent core 18 in the target region 1530.

In one specific example, as shown in FIG. 11E, the absorbent article1510 may comprise protrusions 1571 and 1572, each of which is disposedadjacent a longitudinal side edge of the absorbent article 1510. Theprotrusions 1571 and 1572 may be disposed only in the target region1530. Or, in some forms, the protrusions 1571 and 1572 may be disposedalong the entire length of its respective longitudinal side edge. Insome forms, the protrusions 1571 and 1572 may comprise tufts asdescribed herein, e.g. tunnel tufts, outer tufts, filled tufts, nestedtufts, ridges and grooves, or may comprise corrugations as describedherein. For those forms, where the protrusions 1571 and 1572 comprisetufts, a plurality of tufts may be arranged longitudinally adjacent thelength of the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article 1510. Forthose forms comprising corrugations, a plurality of ridges and groovesmay similarly be arranged longitudinally along the longitudinal sideedges of the absorbent article 1510. Or in some forms, a single ridgeand groove and may be arranged longitudinally along the length of thelongitudinal side edges.

The forms incorporating the protrusions 1571 and 1572 may provideadditional leakage protection by acting as barriers. Additionalconfigurations are contemplated. For example, absorbent articles of thepresent disclosure may comprise a plurality of rows of protrusions whichare laterally spaced apart from one another. Such configurations canprovide barriers to leakage and can also provide a softness benefit tothe user. In some forms, the protrusions 1571 and 1572 may be formed inthe topsheet of the absorbent article. In other forms, the protrusions1571 and 1572 may be formed in the topsheet and the absorbent core orthe topsheet and the FM layer. For these forms, the protrusions 1571 and1572 can be absorbent to some extent.

Forms are contemplated where the first region, the target region, and/orthe second region comprise more than one zone. For example, regardingthe form shown in FIG. 11E, the target region may comprise an outer zonein which the protrusions 1571 and 1572 are disposed. The outer zone maybe disposed outboard of the target zone. And for those forms where thefirst region and/or the second region comprises protrusions, theprotrusions may be disposed in outer zones which are outboard of thefirst zone and/or the second zone, respectively.

In addition to the mechanical manipulation described heretofore and thecreation of zones, forms of the present disclosure are contemplatedwhere in addition to the intimate contact via mechanical manipulationdescribed herein, zones may be created or enhanced via chemicalheterogeneity. For example, where protrusions are provided in anabsorbent article, the distal ends of the protrusions may be providedwith a composition. Or land areas between adjacent protrusions may beprovided with compositions. In one specific example, where protrusionsare oriented in a positive Z-direction, distal ends of the protrusionsmay be provided with a hydrophobic composition. In another specificexample, where the protrusions are oriented in a negative Z-direction,distal ends of the protrusions may be provided with a hydrophiliccomposition. Suitable compositions and methods for applying compositionsto webs are described in additional detail in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication Nos. 2017/0225449A1; 2017/0120260A1; and 2017/0258650A1.

Conforming Modified Webs

The inventors have surprisingly found that intimate contact, whilebeneficial for fluid management, may not be sufficient—on its own—forproduct conformity. For example, needlepunched and spunlaced modifiedwebs, while providing intimate contact between adjacent layers andtherefore good fluid handling properties, cannot provide the level ofconformity required on their own. Rather, the meso-scale processes asdescribed herein may be utilized with appropriate spacing, as discussedherein, to form conforming features in the modified webs.

The absorbent articles of the present disclosure may provide goodconformity to the body of the wearer in addition to the good fluidmanagement. However, while good fluid management may be derived fromintimate contact, which can be created via the micro-scale processes andthe meso-scale processes, good conformance can only be achieved viameso-scale processes or a combination of micro-scale and meso-scaleprocesses as described herein.

Traditional fibrous absorbent core materials such as thick (or densifiedcellulose fluff) or absorbent airlaid materials are mostly composed ofshort (˜2.5 mm) cellulose fibers that form inherently weak mechanicalstructures. These conventional structures struggle to maintain theirintegrity and shape during dynamic bodily motions in the dry state. And,in the wet state, integrity and product sustaining shape onlydeteriorates further as cellulose fibers wet plasticize and become soft,pliable and collapse. Historically two approaches have been employed toimprove the mechanical performance of cellulosic systems; densification(typical fluff cores range from un-densified 0.04 g/cm³ to about 0.2g/cm³ when densified), and in the case of airlaid's, the inclusion ofheat bondable bi-component fibers (typically less than 6 mm in length)or latex based binders in addition to densification (airlaid's aretypically in the 0.08-0.15 g/cm³).

The problem of densification of cellulosic short fiber absorbent coresystems is that these tend to significantly stiffen the absorbent coresystem. Unfortunately, the densification can have a negative impact onboth comfort and the ability of the stiffened absorbent system toconform to the intimate body shape. The intimate area is characterizedby significant topographic variations on a relatively short (subcentimeter) length scale. This complex geometry can be difficult toconform to due to the densification. Namely, as absorbent systems aredensified, their bending modulus (ease of bending) and bending stiffnessdramatically increase making intimate conformation to the labial (majorand protruding minora) surfaces very difficult. And as noted, theseshort fiber cellulosic fiber structures significantly collapse in thedry to wet state.

The ability of an absorbent article to conform during use is generallygoverned by the stiffest layer within the absorbent article. To createan absorbent article which can provide good conformance to the body of awearer, the stiffest layer of the absorbent article should bemechanically manipulated as described herein to create a more conformingstructure. In some forms, this may comprise mechanical manipulation ofthe topsheet, optional FM layer, and absorbent core either across theentirety of the absorbent article or in zones as described herein. Asnoted previously, such manipulation of these layers may occur throughoutthe absorbent article or in zones as discussed herein. And, along withthe benefit of increased conformity, the benefit of intimate contact andtherefore good fluid management can also be realized.

For FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13C, a pattern of struts, nodes anddepressions are shown. The nodes are interconnected to one another viastruts which are spaced apart from one another via depressions. Thenodes are essentially unmodified material of the modified web while thematerial associated with the struts and depressions is mechanicallystrained. There may be at least one strut that connects an adjacentnode. Or, there may exist a plurality of struts between adjacent nodes.For example, the number of struts may be between about 2 to about 10.Or, more than 10 struts may be utilized.

FIGS. 12A to 12B show a plan view of and a cross-sectional view,respectively, of a topsheet integrated with an absorbent core utilizingthe tufting process described herein. The tufts were oriented in thenegative Z-direction. As shown, a topsheet 1217 and absorbent core 1219composite 1200 that not only provides good fluid management benefits butalso provide good conformance to the body, comprises a plurality ofnodes 1211 and a plurality of struts 1213 between adjacent nodes.Between adjacent struts 1213 are depressions 1215 which extend in anegative Z-direction. The depressions 1215 can be formed when thetooling described—see for example FIG. 6B regarding the protrusionsherein—impacts the topsheet and absorbent core web. As shown fibers ofthe topsheet 1217 along with fibers of the absorbent core 1219 aredisposed within the depressions 1215.

The sample of FIGS. 12A-12B comprised a 28 gsm calendar bonded,bi-component, spunbond fiber topsheet 1217. The absorbent core 1219 wascoformed comprising 30 percent continuous, e.g. longer than staplefiber, about 5 to about 10 microns, or larger, polypropylene fibers. Thetooling that created the depressions 1215 was as described regardingtufts. The DOE of the tooling was 1.9 mm.

FIGS. 13A-13C show a plan view of and cross-sectional views,respectively, of a topsheet 1317 integrated with an absorbent core 1319.The tufts were oriented in the negative Z-direction. As shown, acomposite web 1300 of the topsheet 1317 and absorbent core 1319comprises nodes 1311 and struts 1313. Between adjacent struts 1313 aredepressions 1315 which extend in the negative Z-direction. Thedepressions 1315 can be formed when the tooling described regardingprotrusions herein, impacts the topsheet and absorbent core web. Asshown fibers of the topsheet 1317 along with fibers of the absorbentcore 1319 are disposed within the depressions 1315. The sample of FIGS.13A-13C comprised a 28 gsm calendar bonded, bi-component spunbond fibertopsheet 1317. The absorbent core 1219 was a hydroentangled nonwovenwith 38 mm fiber lengths. The tooling that created the depressions 1215was as described with regard to tunnel tufts. The DOE of the tooling was1.9 mm.

For both samples of FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13C, it is worth noting thatthe topsheet is displaced down into and between adjacent struts. Asnoted previously, micro-scale processing of the same, e.g. needlepunchor spunlace would only displace a few fibers of the topsheet within eachdepression. In contrast, the meso-scale processing described hereindisplaces a much larger amount of the constituent material of thetopsheet into the absorbent core which can allow the resulting featuresto provide absorbent article conformance benefits. Further, via themeso-scale processing, the topsheet and absorbent core are in intimatecontact with each other to provide good fluid managementcharacteristics.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic close up cross section showing a topsheet andan absorbent core composite 1400. As shown the depressions 1415(exaggerated for ease of visualization) do not extend through thethickness of the composite, but rather rearrange constituent material ofthe topsheet and/or absorbent core. So in other words, the depressionshave a bottom 1421. As shown, the depression bottoms 1421 may bedisposed between a first surface and a second surface of the composite1400. Or, the bottom 1421 of at least one depression may be disposedsubjacent to the second layer of the composite 1400. When the teeth ofthe rolls described in, for example, FIG. 6A or 6B engage theconstituent material of the topsheet and/or absorbent core, some of theconstituent material may extend, thin, and some may even break. In thecase of nonwoven materials, fibers of the nonwoven may become thinnerand some fibers may break. Similarly, in the absorbent core, some of theconstituent material may break or become unattached to the constituentmaterial of the absorbent core. So, the depressions 1415, in a senseform a weakened area between adjacent struts 1413. The weakened area,due to the reduced amount of material, can allow the struts 1413 tomove, bend, and/or rotate somewhat independently from one another.However, the bottom 1421 ties adjacent struts 1413 together such thatthe absorbent core still retains some structural significance.

In addition to tying adjacent struts 1413 together, the bottoms 1421also form a bridge between adjacent struts 1413. This bridge can serveas a fluid transport pathway which can help utilize more of the materialof the absorbent core as opposed to where a bridge is absent.

Additionally, it is believed that with the urging of the material of thetopsheet and absorbent core in a negative Z-direction, that material ofthe topsheet and absorbent core mix to some extent along the side wallsof the depressions and in the bottoms of the depressions. As such, thedepressions can provide a fluid management benefit via faster fluidacquisition. In contrast, while embossing may provide some mixing ofmaterial between the topsheet and the absorbent core, the densificationof the area formed by embossing does not increase fluid acquisitionspeed in the densified areas.

Each of the depressions 1415 has a length which extends generallyparallel to its long axis. As shown in the FIGS. 12A-12C and 13A-13C,the lengths of the depressions can vary. As shown, the long axis may begenerally oriented in a direction which is parallel to a longitudinalaxis of an absorbent article. However, the depressions 1415 can have along axis which is generally parallel to a transverse axis of anabsorbent article. The depressions 1415 may have a long axis which is atan angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the absorbent article.For example, a first portion of depressions 1415 may have a long axiswhich is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a secondportion of depressions 1415 may have a long axis which is generallyparallel to the transverse axis. A third portion of depressions 1415 mayhave a long axis which is generally at an angle with respect to thelongitudinal axis. The depressions 1415 of the third portion maycomprise depressions having a long axis which are at a variety of angleswith respect to the longitudinal axis. As an example, a portion of thedepressions 1415 may have a long axis which is at a first angle withrespect to the MD, and a portion of depressions 1415 may have a longaxis which is at a second angle with respect to the MD. A portion of thedepressions' long axis may be at a third angle, and a portion of thedepressions' long axis may be at a fourth angle, etc.

The spacing between adjacent depressions—generally perpendicular to thelong axis of the depression—can be any suitable distance and depend onthe spacing of the forming elements on the associated rolls. As theremay be mechanical limits regarding the rolls regarding spacing, suchlimits may then impact the spacing between adjacent depressions.Additionally, the caliper of the layers being integrated may drivespacing between depressions as well. For example, thicker calipermaterials may require a higher spacing between adjacent teeth. Closerspacing between teeth, depending on the materials being integrated, cancause shredding/tearing of the layers. In some specific forms, thedepressions may be spaced apart by greater than about 1 mm in the CD andgreater than about 2 mm in the MD.

In some forms, the bottoms 1421 may be bonded via heated teeth or othersuitable mechanism. The bonded bottoms 1421 can provide additionalstability to the web and ensure that the topsheet is firmly anchored tothe absorbent core. A suitable process is described in additional detailin U.S. Pat. No. 7,682,686.

Even though the composites described regarding FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13Ccomprise topsheets and absorbent cores, topsheet and FM layer compositesmay be formed. Or, composites may comprise an FM layer and absorbentcore. Or, composites may comprise a topsheet, FM layer, and absorbentcore.

As noted previously, some cellulose based materials, when exposed to themeso-scale processes as described herein, may be torn, ripped, and/orshredded to some extent. An example of what happens to some materialswhen subjected to the meso-scale processes described herein is shown inFIGS. 15A-15C. As shown, from a plan view in FIG. 15A, the topsheet andabsorbent core composite 1500 does not appear all that different fromthe composites 1200 and 1300 (shown in FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13C,respectively). The composite 1500 comprises a node 1511 and a pluralityof struts 1513A and 1513B. Each strut forms a sidewall portion of thedepression 1515 opposite one another. However, as shown in FIGS. 15B and15C though, a depression 1515 extends all the way through the composite1500 and acts like a slit between adjacent struts. From a mechanicalstandpoint, the depression 1515 can allow the struts 1513A and 1513B tomove relative to one another without any tie connection to the adjacentstruts. This can allow for great conformance initially. However asshown, without the connection between adjacent struts as describedregarding FIG. 14 (present in FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13C), the struts1513 can have too much flexibility in the degree of movement available.For example, as shown a portion of a first strut 1513A is disposedbeneath a portion of a second strut 1513B. So, any movement of theabsorbent core requires sufficient energy to overcome the sliding of thestruts 1513A and 1513B over one another. And rather than being stored aspotential energy within the core, the energy of the movement isdissipated in overcoming the relative movement of the struts one overthe other—similar to friction loss. Because of the lost energy, oncedeformed, without the connected areas described in FIG. 14, the struts1513A and 1513B may not have the requisite energy to recover to theirundeformed state. And as such, the composite 1500 lacks sufficientintegrity to withstand the mechanical stresses produced while thearticle is worn and ends up collapsing into a bunched state. This cancreate discomfort to the wearer as well. So too much conformance canlead to comfort issues during wear just as not enough conformance can.

In contrast, the materials selected in accordance with the presentdisclosure can reduce the friction loss of a portion of one strutdisposed beneath another strut. Referring now to FIG. 15C, the adjacentstruts overlap to a large extent. When materials are selected inaccordance with the present disclosure, an overlap distance 1503 may beless than about 0.75 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, or less than about 0.2mm, or about 0 mm. The overlap distance test is described in additionaldetail herein.

The materials utilized for the sample of FIGS. 15A-15C were a 28 gsm,bi-component 80 percent polypropylene and 20 percent polyethylene,spunbond, topsheet and an airlaid absorbent core comprising 180 gsm, 4.9percent, 3 mm length, 1.7 dtex bi-component fiber, 14.7 percent ofparticle AGM and about 80 percent short cellulose fibers.

As noted previously, traditional fibrous absorbent core materials,comprise short cellulose fibers. It is believed that due to the lengthof the fibers, e.g. short, they are unable to form a substantial fibernetwork that can withstand the meso-scale processing described herein.It is believed that mechanical manipulation of these short fibersresults in these short fiber materials being deformed and stretched (asthey flow around the teeth for example) to such an extent that suchprocessing typically leads to material tearing. The material tearingweakens the structure's ability to recover its shape when deformed whilebeing worn as the user goes about their daily routine. For example, asshown regarding FIGS. 15A-15C, slits and tearing can occur where thefibers are too short.

As mentioned previously, to drive good conformance, the layer of theabsorbent article which provides the most stiffness will likely be agood candidate for the formation of conforming features as describedherein. So, as an example, an FM layer disposed between the topsheet andabsorbent core may not need to be designed to withstand the meso-scaleprocesses described herein. In such forms, if the absorbent core is thestiffest portion of the absorbent article, the breakage of constituentmaterial of the FM layer, may not negatively impact the integrity of theabsorbent article. And the converse is also applicable. If an absorbentarticle includes an FM layer that is stiffer than its absorbent corecounterpart, then the FM layer may be designed to withstand themeso-scale processes described herein. The absorbent core in such forms,however, may not need to be designed to withstand such processes. Or, insome instances, it may be beneficial to design the system to withstandthe meso-scale processes described herein.

So, material selection can impact the level of conformance of themodified webs of the present disclosure. The inventors surprisingly havefound that through the support of long fiber networks, e.g. longer than6 mm, conformance features may be created in absorbent articles whichprovide fluid kinetic benefits along with desirable mechanicalproperties. These long fiber networks may be realized in the absorbentcore, in the FM layer, and/or the topsheet, or any combination thereof.However, it is worth noting that a sufficient amount of longfibers/filaments should be utilized in order to create the long fibernetwork. Appropriate materials to accomplish the weakened areas betweenstruts is described in additional detail hereafter.

As noted previously, the DOE between tooling impacts the level to whichone layer is engaged with another layer. For example, as shown in FIG.16, for lower DOE, a bottom 1621B of a depression may be disposedproximate to a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent core. In contrast,for a higher DOE, a bottom 1621A of a depression may be disposed moredistal than the bottom 1621B. Forms are contemplated where variabledepths of engagement are utilized. In such cases, depressions where theDOE is higher may be deeper than for depressions where the DOE was notas high.

Without wishing to be bound by theory it is believed that a long fibernetwork can reduce the likelihood of shredding of the absorbent core orshredding of the layer which dominates the flexibility of the absorbentarticle. It is believed that fibers within the absorbent core, the FMlayer, and/or the topsheet should be greater than about 6 mm. It isfurther believed that longer thermoplastic fibers can span thedepressions and support the bottoms of the depressions which connectadjacent struts. It is also believed that shorter fibers, e.g.cellulose, during mechanical manipulation, tend to separate from oneanother as they do not have sufficient length to tie into the fibernetwork of the absorbent system. It is worth noting that for a higherdepth of engagement of the tooling mentioned herein, longer fibers maybe required. Conversely for a lower depth of engagement, shorter fibersmay be utilized; however, it is believed that a lower depth ofengagement, below 5 mm, for example, may detrimentally impact theconformability of the absorbent article. In some forms, fiber lengthslonger than tooling length, e.g. the length of the teeth 510 (shown inFIG. 6A), may be sufficient to create a long fiber network that canwithstand the meso-scale processing. So, the depth of the depression maybe shorter than the average length of thermoplastic fibers in theabsorbent system, e.g. the FM layer and/or absorbent core.

The long fiber network is believed to allow the constituent material ofthe layers to more easily flow around the tooling utilized for themeso-scale processing. This flowing of the constituent material allowsthe constituent material to stay in-tact post processing withoutsignificant breakage of the fibers. It is further believed thatextensible materials and/or crimped fibers can help the long fibernetwork maintain its structural integrity.

In addition to the length of fibers, it is believed that the way thefibers are tied together can also influence the fiber network. Forexample, it is believed that the density of bond sites (bond sites persquare cm) via calendar bonding can impact the long fiber network. Forexample, where there is a high bond density, long fibers can effectivelybe made short due to the spacing of adjacent bond sites. In contrast, itis believed that air through bonding may beneficially impact the longfiber network as these types of bonds are seen as more easily brokenduring processing. As another example, ultrasonic bonding and/or thermalbonding of the fibers of these layers can be utilized to build a fibernetwork which can assist the long fiber network. Additional examplesinclude spunlacing and needlepunching. Bond spacing, spunlacing and/orneedlepunching can allow the long fiber network to flex/move and thenrecover. Appropriate bond spacing would ensure that effective fiberlengths are not less than about 6 mm. Some specific examples ofsufficient fiber networks are described regarding Tables 1-4.

For the absorbent articles of the present disclosure, the dominantlayer, i.e. the layer which most influences the flexibility of thearticle—generally the thickest material, may benefit from comprising along fiber network. The “long” filaments or fibers of the long fibernetwork should make up between 15% and 50% by weight of the filamentsand/or fibers in the fibrous structure, between 17% and 40% of thefibers in the fibrous structure, or between 20% and 30% of the fibers inthe fibrous structure, specifically reciting all values within theseranges and any ranges created thereby. For example, long filaments, i.e.longer than 6 mm, may be in the absorbent core. In order for theabsorbent core to survive the meso-scale processes described herein, itis believed that the basis weight of long fibers should be at least 15percent of the basis weight of the absorbent core. However, where theabsorbent core does not comprise the requisite long fiber percentage,layers of material adjacent to the absorbent core, e.g. fluid managementlayer and/or topsheet may contribute to the long fiber network. But itis believed that where the absorbent core lacks the requisite percentageof long fibers, a higher percentage than 15 percent may be required fromthe adjacent layers. For example, assuming that the fluid managementlayer and the absorbent core are provided with conforming features, ifthe absorbent core does not comprise at least 25 percent of long fibers,then the long fibers of the fluid management layer should also beassessed. In such instances, the cumulative basis weight of the longfibers should be evaluated against the cumulative basis weight of thefluid management layer and the absorbent core to determine theappropriate percentage of long fibers.

The filaments and/or fibers of the long fiber network may be capable ofinterconnecting or bonding with other filaments and/or fibers, such as,for example thermoplastic fibers. The filaments and/or fibers of thelong fiber network should have an average length that is longer than theaverage strut height in the absorbent mesh and/or longer than theaverage depression depth. The average length of fibers of the long fibernetwork may be between about 6 mm to about 100 mm. Or, the long fibernetwork may comprise continuous filaments, e.g. meltblown, spun melt,spunbond, etc. Still, the long fiber network may comprise continuousfilaments as well as fibers. The filaments and/or fibers used to formthe long fiber network may be bundles of filaments and/or fibers. Forexample, between 10 and 100 fibers may be in the form of a bundle suchthat at least 5% of the filaments and/or fibers will bond together.Bundling the filaments and/or fibers together allows for the filamentsand/or fibers to form a fibrous network while maintaining desirablepermeability.

An exemplary absorbent article 1700 created in accordance with thepresent disclosure is shown in FIG. 17A. The article shown has beenmodified to provide good fluid acquisition in the target region 1530. Asshown the target zone 1535 having a figure eight shape may compriseintimate contact between an FM layer and the absorbent core in thetarget zone 1535. Additionally, in some forms, the target zone 1535 maycomprise apertures which extend through the topsheet, or through thetopsheet and the FM layer.

Additionally, because the absorbent article 1700 may comprise conformingfeatures as well in the target region 1530 which can allow the absorbentarticle 1700 to conform to the external labial structure of the wearer.Similarly, the first region 1520 and the second region 1540 may compriseconforming features which allow those portions of the absorbent article1700 to conform to the complex surfaces of the user. However, thepatterns utilized in the first and second regions 1520 and 1530 mayprovide more structural integrity to the absorbent article while thepattern in the target zone 1535 may provide more conformance to thebody. Similarly, outboard of the target zone 1535, the target region1530 may comprise the pattern of the first region 1520 and/or the secondregion 1540 or may comprise a pattern which provides additionalstructural integrity over that of the target zone 1535.

As shown, the first region 1520 and the second region 1540 may compriseconforming features which are generally diamond shape and which have arepeating pattern. Within each of the diamond shapes, there are aplurality of depressions of varying length. As shown, the depressionsare generally oriented generally parallel to a long axis of theabsorbent article 1700. However, the depressions may be oriented at anangle thereto or may be oriented generally parallel with a lateral axisof the absorbent article. Or, some of the diamonds within the patternmay comprise depression oriented in one direction while other diamondswithin the pattern comprise depressions oriented in another direction.The same hold true regardless of the shape of units within the pattern,e.g. diamonds, circles, etc. Additional suitable shapes are disclosedbelow.

Also, as shown, the target region 1530, in a portion thereof, maycomprise conforming features which are generally oriented in columns andstaggered rows, where the columns are generally parallel to the longaxis of the absorbent article 1700. The depressions may be longer thanthose of the diamond or longer than at least some of the depressionswithin the diamond pattern.

Additional patterns which can be utilized for the webs of the presentdisclosure are provided regarding FIG. 17B. As shown, nodes may be anysuitable shape, e.g. ovals, hexagons, diamonds, semicircles, hearts,donuts, rainbows, etc. Additional shaped include moons, clovers,balloons, stars, or combinations thereof. As shown, a plurality ofstruts extends between each of the nodes.

Absorbent Articles

After the topsheet, FM layer, absorbent core, or any combinationthereof, are provided with intimate contact and/or conforming features,the modified web may be further converted to produce an absorbentarticle. As shown in FIG. 18, a final web 1058 (which is inclusive ofthe final webs described herein) may be subsequently processed asdescribed regarding FIG. 18 to create a plurality of absorbent articles1039.

For example, for those forms where an absorbent core was not previouslyprovided, an absorbent core web 1718A (shown as a roll) may be providedto a cut and place operation 1030 which cuts the absorbent core web1718A and creates a plurality of discrete absorbent cores therefrom. Theplurality of discrete absorbent cores may be placed on the plurality ofdiscrete FM portions 20A (shown in FIG. 4) thereby forming the TFMAClaminate web 37. Subsequently, a backsheet 1716A (shown as a roll) maybe placed on the TFMAC laminate web 37 thereby forming an absorbentarticle laminate web 1073. A joining operation 1031 may be utilized tojoin the backsheet with the TFMAC laminate web 37. Subsequently, theabsorbent article laminate web 1073 may be subjected to a cuttingoperation 1032 which cuts the absorbent article laminate web 1037 into aplurality of discrete absorbent articles 1039. Cutting operations aswell as cut and place operations are known in the art of disposableabsorbent article production.

Topsheets of disposable absorbent articles are the wearer-facing surfaceof the article. The absorbent articles of the present disclosure maycomprise any known or otherwise effective topsheet, such as one which iscompliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin.Suitable topsheet materials include a liquid pervious material that isoriented towards and contacts the body of the wearer permitting bodilydischarges to rapidly penetrate through it without allowing fluid toflow back through the topsheet to the skin of the wearer.

A suitable topsheet may be manufactured from a wide range of materials,such as porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, wovenmaterials, nonwoven materials, woven or nonwoven materials of naturalfibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments(e.g., polyester or polypropylene or bicomponent PE/PP fibers ormixtures thereof), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.Additional fibers or filaments include meltblown, nano, spunbond,carded, or the like. The topsheet may have one or more layers, forexample a spunbond-meltblown-spunbond material. Any portion of thetopsheet may be coated with a skin care composition, an antibacterialagent, a surfactant, and/or other beneficial agents. The topsheet may behydrophilic or hydrophobic or may have hydrophilic and/or hydrophobicportions. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, typically apertures will bepresent so that bodily exudates may pass through the topsheet.

Where topsheet is desired to be mechanically manipulated, for example,for the formation of conforming features, the topsheet may compriseextensible material or material which comprises crimpedfibers/filaments. If, non-extensible materials are utilized in theformation of conforming features, the topsheet may break or shred.Additional details of nonwoven webs with extensible fibers/filaments isprovided in U.S. Patent No. US 2014/0170367. And, details of nonwovenwebs with crimped fibers is provided in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0166443.

Additionally, in some forms the idea of intimate contact can be appliedto the topsheet. For example, the topsheet may comprise a film substrateand a nonwoven substrate. In such forms, the nonwoven substrate may be acarrier material upon which the film substrate may be extruded. Becausethe extruded film is in a semi-molten state, it is believed that theresultant composite provides intimate contact and performance benefitsover a film and nonwoven laminate of the same constituent material. Thefilm/nonwoven composite may then be processed as described herein, e.g.the addition of apertures to provide the ability to acquire fluid andthe provision of conforming features may be performed on suchfilm/nonwoven composites. Such film/nonwoven composites and processingthereof are described in additional detail in U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2009/0026651, PCT Application Serial Nos.PCT/CN2017/089550, PCT/CN2017/089553, and PCT/CN2017/089554.

In some forms, the topsheet may comprise a composite of nonwovenmaterials. For example, a first nonwoven substrate may be created via afirst spinbeam, and a second nonwoven substrate may be created via asecond spinbeam. In some forms, the second spinbeam may form filamentson the filaments of the first spinbeam. It is believed that suchcreation of a composite nonwoven can create intimate contact between thesubstrates of the topsheet as opposed to creation via lamination of afirst web to a second web. Such nonwoven webs and processes for formingsuch webs are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2017/0258651A1.

The FM layer and absorbent core may comprise any suitable material insome forms. For example, where the FM layer is not the stiffest layer ofthe absorbent article, the FM layer may comprise any suitable materialwhich can rapidly absorb liquid insults from the topsheet andsubsequently allow the liquid insults to be transferred to the absorbentcore. Similarly, where the absorbent core is not the stiffest layer ofthe absorbent article, the absorbent core may comprise any suitablematerial which can absorb and retain liquid insults from the FM layer(where present) or the topsheet. There are many commercially availablevariants for the FM layer and absorbent core where conventionalmaterials may be utilized.

However, where the FM layer or the absorbent core are the stiffestlayers of the absorbent article, the materials of the FM layer orabsorbent core should be carefully selected. Note that in some forms,the FM layer and the absorbent core may be designed to withstand themeso-scale processes described herein, e.g. comprising a long fibernetwork.

The absorbent system, either the FM layer and/or the absorbent core, maybe webs such as, for example, nonwoven, a fibrous structure, a longthermoplastic filament and/or fiber reinforced airlaid web, a high loftnonwoven, a needlepunched web, a hydroentangled web, a fiber tow web, awoven web, a knitted web, a flocked web, a spunbond web, a layeredspunbond/melt blown web, a carded fiber web, a coform web of cellulosefiber and melt blown or spun-melt fibers, a coform web of staple fibersand melt blown or spun-melt fibers, and layered webs that are layeredcombinations thereof.

The constituent filaments and/or fibers of the absorbent system can becomprised of polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester,and blends thereof. The filaments can be spunbond. The filaments can bemeltblown. The filaments and/or fibers can comprise cellulose, rayon,cotton, or other natural materials or blends of polymer and naturalmaterials. The filaments and/or fibers can also comprise a superabsorbent material such as polyacrylate or any combination of suitablematerials. The filaments and/or fibers can be monocomponent,bi-component, and/or bi-constituent, non-round (e.g., capillary channelfibers), and can have major cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., diameterfor round fibers) ranging from 0.1-500 microns. The constituentfilaments and/or fibers of the absorbent system web may also be amixture of different fiber types, differing in such features aschemistry (e.g. polyethylene and polypropylene), components (mono- andbi-), dtex (micro dtex and >20 dtex), shape (i.e. capillary and round)and the like. The constituent filaments and/or fibers can range fromabout 0.1 dtex to about 100 dtex.

Suitable thermoplastic filaments and/or fibers can be made from a singlepolymer (monocomponent fibers) or can be made from more than one polymer(e.g., bi-component fibers). The polymer comprising the sheath oftenmelts at a different, typically lower, temperature than the polymercomprising the core. As a result, these bi-component filaments and/orfibers provide thermal bonding due to melting of the sheath polymer,while retaining the desirable strength characteristics of the corepolymer.

Suitable bi-component filaments and/or fibers for use in the presentinvention can include sheath/core fibers having the following polymercombinations: polyethylene/polypropylene, polyethylvinylacetate/polypropylene, polyethylene/polyester, polypropylene/polyester,copolyester/polyester, and the like. Particularly suitable bi-componentthermoplastic filaments and/or fibers for use herein are those having apolypropylene or polyester core, and a lower melting copolyester,polyethylvinyl acetate or polyethylene sheath (e.g., DANAKLON.RTM.,CELBOND.RTM. or CHISSO.RTM. bi-component fibers). These bi-componentfilaments and/or fibers can be concentric or eccentric. As used herein,the terms “concentric” and “eccentric” refer to whether the sheath has athickness that is even, or uneven, through the cross-sectional area ofthe bi-component fiber. Eccentric bi-component filaments and/or fiberscan be desirable in providing more compressive strength at lower fiberthicknesses. Suitable bi-component filaments and/or fibers for useherein can be either uncrimped (i.e. unbent) or crimped (i.e. bent).Bi-component fibers can be crimped by typical textile means such as, forexample, a stuffer box method or the gear crimp method to achieve apredominantly two-dimensional or “flat” crimp.

The length of bi-component fibers can vary depending upon the particularproperties desired for the fibers and the web formation process.Ideally, in an air formed web such as a long fiber reinforced airlaidweb, these thermoplastic fibers have a length from about 6 mm to about15 mm long, preferably from greater than about 6 mm long to about 12 mmlong. The properties-of these thermoplastic fibers can also be adjustedby varying the diameter (caliper) of the fibers. The diameter of thesethermoplastic fibers is typically defined in terms of either denier(grams per 9000 meters) or decitex (grams per 10,000 meters). Suitablebi-component thermoplastic fibers as used in an airlaid making machinesuch as a DanWeb machine can have a decitex in the range from about 1.0to about 16, preferably from about 1.4 to about 10, and most preferablyfrom about 1.7 to about 7 decitex.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that FM layersand/or absorbent cores with good long fiber networks can withstandmeso-scale processing. And, as noted previously, topsheets maycontribute to the long fiber network to some extent as well. It isbelieved that fibers 6 mm or longer may be utilized to help provide thegood long fiber network. For example, coform utilizes continuousfilaments which measure well over 6 mm. It is further believed thatthermoplastic bondable filaments and/or fibers are better to utilizethan latex bonding.

For those forms of the absorbent system that comprise an FM layer andabsorbent core, the FM layer and/or the absorbent core may beconstructed as described herein. In one particular example, theabsorbent core may comprise a substrate which comprises superabsorbentpolymeric material. For example, a tissue web may comprise absorbentgelling material granules or fibers disposed on the tissue web.

The backsheet is generally that portion of the absorbent articlepositioned proximate to the garment-facing surface of the absorbentcore. The backsheet may be joined to portions of the topsheet, theabsorbent core, and/or any other layers of the absorbent article by anyattachment methods known to those of skill in the art. The backsheetprevents, or at least inhibits, the bodily exudates absorbed andcontained in the absorbent core from soiling articles such as bedsheets,undergarments, and/or clothing. The backsheet is typically liquidimpermeable, or at least substantially impermeable. The backsheet may,for example, be or comprise a thin plastic film, such as a thermoplasticfilm having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Othersuitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials whichpermit vapors to escape from the absorbent article, while stillpreventing, or at least inhibiting, bodily exudates from passing throughthe backsheet.

Exemplary absorbent articles of the present invention include diapersand/or feminine pads. Referring to FIG. 19, an absorbent article 1710which may utilize the material webs described herein may be a sanitarynapkin/feminine hygiene pad. As shown, the sanitary napkin 1710 maycomprise a liquid permeable topsheet 1714, a liquid impermeable, orsubstantially liquid impermeable, backsheet 1716, and an absorbent core1718 positioned intermediate the topsheet 1714 and the backsheet 1716.The sanitary napkin 1710 may comprise wings 1720 extending outwardlywith respect to a longitudinal axis 1780 of the sanitary napkin 1710.The sanitary napkin 1710 may also comprise a lateral axis 1790. Thewings 1720 may be joined to the topsheet 1714, the backsheet 1716,and/or the absorbent core 1718. The sanitary napkin 1710 may alsocomprise a front edge 1722, a rear edge 1724 longitudinally opposing thefront edge 1722, a first side edge 1726, and a second side edge 1728laterally opposing the first side edge 1726. The longitudinal axis 1780may extend from a midpoint of the front edge 1722 to a midpoint of therear edge 1724. The lateral axis 1790 may extend from a midpoint of thefirst side edge 1726 to a midpoint of the second side edge 1728. Thesanitary napkin 1710 may also be provided with additional featurescommonly found in sanitary napkins as is known in the art. In some formsof the present invention, the wings may be provided with zones ofextensibility as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,806.

The absorbent article 1710 may further comprise an FM layer disposedbetween the topsheet 1714 and the absorbent core 1718. The FM layer maybe configured as described herein. Similarly, the absorbent core may beconfigured as described herein.

One suitable material for the backsheet can be a liquid imperviousthermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.50 mil)to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), for example including polyethylene orpolypropylene. Typically, the backsheet can have a basis weight of fromabout 5 g/m² to about 35 g/m². However, it should be noted that otherflexible liquid impervious materials may be used as the backsheet.Herein, “flexible” refers to materials which are compliant and whichwill readily conform to the general shape and contours of the wearersbody.

The backsheet can be typically positioned adjacent an outer-facingsurface of the absorbent core and can be joined thereto by any suitableattachment device known in the art. For example, the backsheet may besecured to the absorbent core by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive,a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals,or spots of adhesive. Illustrative, but non-limiting adhesives, includeadhesives manufactured by H. B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minn.,U.S.A., and marketed as HL-1358J. An example of a suitable attachmentdevice including an open pattern network of filaments of adhesive isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,986 entitled “DisposableWaste-Containment Garment”, which issued to Minetola et al. on Mar. 4,1986. Another suitable attachment device including several lines ofadhesive filaments swirled into a spiral pattern is illustrated by theapparatus and methods shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,911,173 issued toSprague, Jr. on Oct. 7, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,996 issued to Ziecker,et al. on Nov. 22, 1978; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,666 issued to Wereniczon Jun. 27, 1989. Alternatively, the attachment device may include heatbonds, thermal fusion bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamicmechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment device orcombinations of these attachment devices. The backsheet may beadditionally secured to the topsheet by any of the above-citedattachment devices/methods.

Still another example of a disposable absorbent article which mayutilize the material webs of the present invention are diapers whichinclude non-refastenable pants, re-fastenable pants and/or re-fastenablediapers. Diapers have can have a similar construction to that ofsanitary napkins. An exemplary diaper is described below.

Referring to FIG. 20, a plan view of an example absorbent article thatis a diaper 1900 in its flat-out, uncontracted state (i.e., with elasticinduced contraction pulled out) with portions of the structure beingcut-away to more clearly show the construction of the diaper 1900 andwith its wearer-facing surface toward the viewer. This diaper is shownfor illustration purpose only as the present disclosure may be used formaking a wide variety of diapers and other absorbent articles.

The absorbent article may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet 1924, aliquid impermeable backsheet 1925, an absorbent core 1928 positioned atleast partially intermediate the topsheet 1924 and the backsheet 1925,and barrier leg cuffs 1934. The absorbent article may also comprise adistribution layer 1954 and an acquisition layer 1952 that will both befurther discussed below. In various forms, the acquisition layer 1952may instead distribute bodily exudates and the distribution layer 1954may instead acquire bodily exudates or both layers may distribute and/oracquire bodily exudates. The absorbent article may also compriseelasticized gasketing cuffs 1932 joined to the chassis of the absorbentarticle, typically via the topsheet and/or backsheet, and substantiallyplanar with the chassis of the diaper.

The Figures also show typical taped diaper components such as afastening system comprising adhesive tabs 1942 or other mechanicalfasteners attached towards the rear edge of the absorbent article 1900and cooperating with a landing zone on the front of the absorbentarticle 1900. The absorbent article may also comprise other typicalelements, which are not represented, such as a rear elastic waistfeature and a front elastic waist feature, for example.

The absorbent article 1900 may comprise a front waist edge 1910, a rearwaist edge 1912 longitudinally opposing the front waist edge 1910, afirst side edge 1903, and a second side edge 1904 laterally opposing thefirst side edge 1903. The front waist edge 1910 is the edge of theabsorbent article 1900 which is intended to be placed towards the frontof the user when worn, and the rear waist edge 1912 is the oppositeedge. Together the front waist edge 1910 and the rear waist edge formwaist opening when the absorbent article 1900 is donned on a wearer. Theabsorbent article 1900 may have a longitudinal axis 1980 extending fromthe lateral midpoint of the front waist edge 1910 to a lateral midpointof the rear waist edge 1912 of the absorbent article 1900 and dividingthe absorbent article 1900 in two substantially symmetrical halvesrelative to the longitudinal axis 1980, with article placed flat andviewed from the wearer-facing surface as illustrated FIG. 20. Theabsorbent article may also have a lateral axis 1990 extending from thelongitudinal midpoint of the first side edge 1903 to the longitudinalmidpoint of the second side edge 1904. The length L of the absorbentarticle 1900 may be measured along the longitudinal axis 1980 from thefront waist edge 1910 to the rear waist edge 1912. The crotch width ofthe absorbent article 1900 may be measured along the lateral axis 1990from the first side edge 1903 to the second side edge 1904. Theabsorbent article 1900 may comprise a front waist region 1905, a rearwaist region 1906, and a crotch region 1907. The front waist region, therear waist region, and the crotch region each define ⅓ of thelongitudinal length of the absorbent article. Front and back portionsmay also be defined on opposite sides of the lateral axis 1990.

The backsheet 1925 may be joined to the topsheet 1924, the absorbentcore 1928, and/or any other element of the absorbent article 1900 by anyattachment methods known to those of skill in the art. Suitableattachment methods are described above with respect to methods forjoining the topsheet 1924 to other elements of the absorbent article1900.

The absorbent article 1900 may comprise a pair of barrier leg cuffs1934. Each barrier leg cuff may be formed by a piece of material whichis bonded to the absorbent article so it can extend upwards from theinner surface of the absorbent article and provide improved containmentof liquids and other bodily exudates approximately at the junction ofthe torso and legs of the wearer. The barrier leg cuffs 1934 aredelimited by a proximal edge 1964 joined directly or indirectly to thetopsheet 1924 and/or the backsheet 1925 and a free terminal edge 1966,which is intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. Thebarrier leg cuffs 1934 extend at least partially between the front waistedge 1910 and the rear waist edge 1912 of the absorbent article onopposite sides of the longitudinal axis 1980 and are at least present inthe crotch region 1907. The barrier leg cuffs 1934 may be joined at theproximal edge 1964 with the chassis of the absorbent article by a bond1965 which may be made by gluing, fusion bonding, or combination ofother suitable bonding processes. The bond 1965 at the proximal edge 64may be continuous or intermittent. The bond 1965 closest to the raisedsection of the leg cuffs 1934 delimits the proximal edge 1964 of thestanding up section of the leg cuffs 1934.

The barrier leg cuffs 1934 may be integral with the topsheet 1924 or thebacksheet 1925 or may be a separate material joined to the absorbentarticle's chassis. The material of the barrier leg cuffs 1934 may extendthrough the whole length of the diapers but may be “tack bonded” to thetopsheet 1924 towards the front waist edge 1910 and rear waist edge 1912of the absorbent article so that in these sections the barrier leg cuffmaterial remains flush with the topsheet 1924.

Each barrier leg cuff 1934 may comprise one, two or more elastic strandsor strips of film 1935 close to this free terminal edge 1966 to providea better seal.

In addition to the barrier leg cuffs 1934, the absorbent article maycomprise gasketing cuffs 1932, which are joined to the chassis of theabsorbent article, in particular to the topsheet 1924 and/or thebacksheet 1925 and are placed externally relative to the barrier legcuffs 1934. The gasketing cuffs 1932 may provide a better seal aroundthe thighs of the wearer. Each gasketing leg cuff may comprise one ormore elastic strings 1933 or elastic elements in the chassis of theabsorbent article between the topsheet 1924 and backsheet 1925 in thearea of the leg openings. All or a portion of the barrier leg and/orgasketing cuffs may be treated with a lotion or skin care composition.The barrier leg cuffs may be constructed in a number of differentconfigurations, including those described in U.S. Pat. App. Publ. No.2012/0277713.

In a form, the absorbent article may comprise front ears 1946 and rearears 1940. The ears may be an integral part of the chassis, such asformed from the topsheet 1924 and/or backsheet 1925 as side panel.Alternatively, as represented on FIG. 19, the ears (1946, 1940) may beseparate elements attached by gluing, heat embossing, and/or pressurebonding. The rear ears 1940 may be stretchable to facilitate theattachment of the tabs 1942 to the landing zone 1944 and maintain thetaped diapers in place around the wearer's waist. The rear ears 1940 mayalso be elastic or extensible to provide a more comfortable andcontouring fit by initially conformably fitting the absorbent article tothe wearer and sustaining this fit throughout the time of wear well pastwhen absorbent article has been loaded with exudates since theelasticized ears allow the sides of the absorbent article to expand andcontract.

Data regarding various samples is provided in the tables below. Adescription of the samples is provided after the presentation of all thedata tables. In Table 1, data is provided regarding the mechanicalproperties of modified (Samples 6a-8c) and unmodified samples (noconforming features—Samples 1-5). The samples listed in Table 1 areabsorbent core samples only. And, the values of the mechanicalproperties listed in Table 1 are with regard to the three point bendtest described herein and the bunch compression test described herein.The three point bend test measures the fundamental bending propertiesand stiffness that relate to the material or the product's ability toconform to complex anatomical features. A lower number is indicative ofa more conforming material. In contrast, the bunch compression test is ameasure of a material's ability to recover its original shape or formfollowing compression, particularly as measured, when wet. For thisdata, a higher value indicates the ability of a material to recover toits initial shape even when wet. A higher number can indicateconformance of a material even after being insulted with liquid.

TABLE 1 Bending Bending Recovery Recovery Modulus Stiffness EnergyPercentage Dry Dry Wet Wet Sample No. (N/mm²) (N*mm²) (mJ) (%)1-unmodified 0.68 30.9 3.51 64 2-unmodified 0.126 13.02 1.06 383-unmodified 0.121 8.79 0.34 31 4-unmodified 2.12 11.72 0.50 285-unmodified 0.085 11.39 1.86 63 6a 0.062 3.42 0.65 43 6b 0.022 1.300.59 43 6c 0.024 2.16 0.79 50 7a 0.06 3.255 0.04 26 7b 0.016 1.139 0.0523 7c 0.023 1.95 0.18 25 8a 0.088 1.63 Collapse Collapse 8b 0.014 0.326Collapse Collapse 8c 0.038 0.81 Collapse Collapse

Table 2 includes data regarding the three point bend test and the bunchcompression test as disclosed herein. The samples of table 2 include anabsorbent core and a fluid management layer which comprise conformingfeatures as described herein. The data illustrates that some sampleswhile exhibiting great conformance during initial use, e.g. low bendingmodulus, low bending stiffness, their in-use states do not show the samepromise. For example, these same samples may exhibit an extremely lowrecovery energy which suggests that in use, these products may collapseand actually lead to leakage problems. However, without additionalinvestigation regarding their potential issues in use, some may betempted by “fools gold” and simply rely on the great initial conformanceof the product.

TABLE 2 Bending Bending Recovery Recovery Modulus Stiffness EnergyPercentage Dry Dry Wet Wet Sample No. (N/mm²) (N*mm²) (mJ) (%)  9a 0.0644.72 0.84 58  9b 0.026 1.79 0.81 56  9c 0.027 2.77 1.35 52 10a 0.0857.49 0.33 37 10b 0.015 1.47 0.31 34 10c 0.03 3.26 0.76 30 11a 0.093 7.830.40 48 11b 0.026 2.77 0.38 40 11c 0.033 3.74 0.62 48

The data from Table 2 shows that the addition of a fluid managementlayer increases the values associated with recovery energy and recoverypercentage. It is worth noting that the addition of the fluid managementlayer also increased the values of the bending modulus and bendingstiffness. However, the increases in bending modulus and bendingstiffness as compared to the recovery energy and recovery percentage, isnot 1 to 1.

Table 3 includes data regarding integration of topsheet, fluidmanagement layer, and absorbent core regarding the three point bend testand bunch compression test disclosed herein. In each sample, thetopsheet, fluid management layer, and absorbent cores comprisedconforming features which integrated all three layers. Additionally,there are some samples of currently marketed products which have beentested as well.

TABLE 3 Bending Bending Recovery Recovery Modulus Stiffness EnergyPercentage Sample Dry Dry Wet Wet Caliper Ratio Ratio No. (N/mm²)(N*mm²) (mJ) (%) (mm) 1 2 12a - emboss 0.136 12.55 2.63 53 2.80 4.77 4.512b - DIA 0.042 4.57 1.97 72 2.96 2.32 1.5 12c - CEN 0.032 2.77 1.79 492.74 1.55 1.0 12d - ALT 0.053 4.23 2.58 57 2.67 1.64 1.6 13a - emboss0.177 15.3 0.88 35 2.74 17.39 5.6 13b - DIA 0.035 4.72 1.04 41 3.17 4.541.5 13c - CEN 0.033 3.74 0.86 39 2.99 4.35 1.3 13d - ALT 0.084 10.251.10 37 3.07 9.32 3.3 14a - emboss 0.605 43.46 3.16 54 2.57 13.75 16.914b - DIA 0.061 7.32 1.99 58 3.05 3.68 2.4 14c - CEN 0.052 5.7 1.68 582.96 3.39 1.9 14d - ALT 0.102 11.32 1.81 57 2.95 6.25 3.8 Conventional0.21 55.6 0.58 46 2.36 95.8 23.6 Sample 1 Conventional 0.68 69.4 1.90 332.54 36.52 27.3 Sample 2

Ratio 1 is between Bending Stiffness and Recovery Energy. In samples12a-14d, the Samples illustrate that in most cases, the embossed onlysamples have a high stiffness to drive acceptable Recovery Energy.Whereas on the Samples comprising conforming features, acceptablerecovery energy is achieved at lower stiffness levels. Additionally, theratio of “stiffness/energy of recovery” is almost 50% reduced or betterfor the Samples comprising conforming features. So, it is believed thatthe Samples which comprise these conforming features can recover frombunching, maintain pad shape to be more comfortable and conformablewithout relying on stiffness to do this. It is believed that a wetrecovery energy of below 0.4 mJ, the absorbent article may haveconformance and possibly performance issues during use due to itsinability to recover its shape when wet.

The bending stiffness to wet recovery energy ratio of less than 17 maybe achieved as demonstrated by the data regardless of the type ofabsorbent system. Specifically, where the absorbent core comprised acoformed absorbent core with continuous filaments (Sample 2), a bendingstiffness to wet recovery energy ratio of than 4 and even less than 3was achieved. For those absorbent cores of the airlaid variety, e.g.Samples 3 and 4, a much lower bending stiffness to wet recovery energywas achieved. For example, regarding Sample 3, by utilizing theconforming features as described herein, the bending stiffness to wetenergy recovery ratio was lower than 17, lower than 15, and even lowerthan 10. Regarding Sample 4, by utilizing the conforming featuresdescribed herein, the bending stiffness to wet recovery ratio was lowerthan 13, lower than 10, and even lower than 8.

Ratio 2 is between bending stiffness and caliper. As the dataillustrates, there is a significant reduction in stiffness for theproducts comprising conforming features compared to those which areembossed. Even where the Samples have a higher caliper, which in theoryshould increase stiffness, many of the Samples with conforming featuresexhibit a 50% reduction in stiffness over the Samples which wereembossed.

The stiffness to caliper ratio of 4 or less may be achieved asdemonstrated by the data. Specifically, where the absorbent corecomprised a coformed absorbent core with continuous filaments (Sample2), a stiffness to caliper ratio of 4 or less was achieved and even lessthan 2. For those absorbent cores of the airlaid variety, e.g. Samples 3and 4, a much lower stiffness to caliper ratio was achieved. Forexample, regarding Sample 3, by utilizing the conforming features asdescribed herein, the stiffness to caliper ratio was lower than 5 andeven lower than 4. Regarding Sample 4, by utilizing the conformingfeatures described herein, the stiffness to caliper ratio was lower than15, lower than 10, lower than 5, and lower than 4.

Additionally, the data illustrates the fact that bending stiffness andbending modulus can be affected based on the conforming featuresprovided to the article to enable customizable fit to a user's uniqueanatomical shape. Additionally, the data shows that the arrangement ofthe zones in the absorbent article can similarly impact the bendingstiffness and the bending modulus to provide the most comfortableconforming fit to her body. The same holds true for recovery energy andrecovery percentage.

Regarding bending stiffness, the absorbent articles comprisingconforming features as described herein showed lower bending stiffnessthan their conventional counterparts. For example, for those productswhich comprised the Sample 2 absorbent core, bending stiffness was lessthan 12, less than 8, and even less than 5. For Sample 3, the bendingstiffness was less than 15 and even less than 12. For Sample 4, thebending stiffness was less than 40, less than 20, and even less than 15.

Data regarding fluid kinetics of the samples listed in Table 3 isprovided below in Table 4. The data is derived from the NMR mousemethod, the free fluid acquisition test, and the blot test describedherein. The NMR test measures the ability of a product to drain fluidfrom the area closest to the body. A low value on this test suggeststhat the user may experience a dry feeling. Additionally, a low value onthe NMR test suggests that the article is able to regenerate void volumefor the next insult. The Free Fluid Acquisition test measures the speedof absorbing fluid insults to the topsheet. A lower number suggests thatthe article can absorb liquid insults quickly. The Blot test measuresthe residual fluid that would remain on the body as well as how much ofthe area of the product would likely be stained.

TABLE 4 Fluid Remaining Free Fluid Blot Blot Sample 0.5 mm AcquisitionResidual Stain Caliper Ratio No. (μl) (seconds) (mg) (mm{circumflex over( )}3) (mm) 3 12a - emboss 5.0 120 34 1192 2.80 12.1 12b - DIA 6.0 38 131405 2.96 4.4 12c - CEN 5.0 76 16 1473 2.74 5.8 12d - ALT 13.0 63 161365 2.67 6.0 13a - emboss 23.0 37 54 1400 2.74 19.7 13b - DIA 15.0 3928 1625 3.17 8.8 13c - CEN 7.0 61 22 1501 2.99 7.4 13d - ALT 15.0 17 201647 3.07 6.5 14a - emboss 262.0 64 56 1733 2.57 21.8 14b - DIA 14.0 4327 1733 3.05 8.9 14c - CEN 5.0 44 21 1732 2.96 7.1 14d - ALT 25.0 16 271734 2.95 9.2 Conventional 5.0 73 5033 2.36 30.9 Sample 1 Conventional17.0 66 4033 2.54 25.9 Sample 2

Ratio 3 is between Blot Residual versus caliper. In the Samples 12a-14d,the Samples comprising conforming features lead to at least a 50%reduction in residual fluid compared to embossing only. So we canachieve not just less fluid on skin analog but we can achieve this in athin, more conforming and comfortable absorbent article.

The blot to caliper ratio of less than 11 may be achieved asdemonstrated by the data regardless of the type of absorbent system.Specifically, where the absorbent core comprised a coformed absorbentcore with continuous filaments (Sample 2), a blot to caliper ratio ofless than 12, less than 11, less than 8, and even less than 7 wasachieved. For those absorbent cores of the airlaid variety, e.g. Samples3 and 4, a much lower blot to caliper ratio was achieved. For example,regarding Sample 3, by utilizing the conforming features as describedherein, the blot to caliper ratio was lower than 19, lower than 15, andeven lower than 10. Regarding Sample 4, by utilizing the conformingfeatures described herein, the blot to caliper ratio was lower than 20,lower than 15, and even lower than 10.

Additionally, the data illustrates the fact that residual fluid (NMR),free fluid acquisition time, blot residual and blot stain size, can beimproved over conventional methods of layer attachment or as shown overembossing based on the conforming features provided to the article. Forexample, NMR data regarding the absorbent cores of Sample 4, were muchlower than 200 much lower than 100 much lower than 50 and lower than 30than those measured for absorbent articles which did not comprise theconforming features of the present disclosure. Similarly, for theabsorbent cores of Sample 3, NMR data showed a reduction with theprovision of conforming features, i.e. less than 20 μl and even lessthan 17 Regarding the products which comprised the Sample 2 absorbentcores, they demonstrated NMR data that was less than about 7 μl whilealso having a free fluid acquisition time of less than 100 seconds.

Regarding the blot test, the data also demonstrates that those productscomprising conforming features consistently had lower values than theirconventional counterparts. For example, for those products utilizing theabsorbent core of Sample 2, the blot residual values were less than 30mg, less than 20 mg, and even less than 18 mg. For each of Samples 3 and4, the blot residual values were less than 50 mg, less than 40 mg, andeven less than 30 mg.

Additionally, the data shows that the arrangement of the zones in theabsorbent article can similarly impact the bending stiffness and thebending modulus. The same holds true for recovery energy and recoverypercentage.

The absorbent articles comprising conforming features as describedherein, demonstrated at blot residual value of

Samples:

Sample 1: A coformed absorbent core having a total basis weight of 224gsm. The coformed absorbent core comprised 121.8 gsm cellulose fibers,52.2 gsm of 3.0 micron continuous polypropylene fibers, and 50 gsm ofsuperabsorbent polymer (AGM). These materials were homogenously blended.Sample 2: A coformed absorbent core having a total basis weight of 186gsm. The coformed absorbent core comprised 105 gsm cellulose, 45 gsm,3.0 micron, continuous polypropylene fibers with 36 gsm of AGM. Thesematerials were homogeneously blended.Sample 3: A 150 gsm airlaid absorbent on a carded nonwoven material. Thematerial comprised 4 mm polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate fibers,cellulose fibers, and latex binder material. This material did notinclude superabsorbent polymer.Sample 4: A unitary airlaid absorbent core having a basis weight of 160gsm. The absorbent core comprises cellulosic fibers and superabsorbentpolymer and includes a low percentage of bondable fibers. Available fromGladfelter GmbH, Falkenhagen Germany. Fibrous super absorbent may beutilized in some cases.Sample 5: A carded spunlace (38-40 mm fiber length) material having abasis weight of 140 gsm comprising 21.8 percent viscose rayon, 35.4percent bicomponent fibers (polyethylene terephthalate andcopolyethylene terephthalate), and 42.9 percent polyethyleneterephthalate monocomponent fibers.

Regarding the Samples 6a-14d many were provided with conforming featuresoriented in a negative Z-direction in accordance with the followingpatterns. DIAMOND—shown in FIG. 17A in the first zone 1520 and thesecond zone 1540. The tooling for the DIAMOND pattern comprises teeth ofdiffering lengths. The depth of engagement for the tooling was 2.54 mmand spacing between the teeth was 2.03 mm CENTER—shown in FIG. 17A(within the figure eight looking area) in a portion of the target region1530. The teeth of the CENTER pattern are staggered. The depth ofengagement for the tooling was 2.54 mm and spacing between the teeth was2.03 mm ALT—This pattern is formed by teeth 7000 shown in FIG. 21. Asshown, teeth are provided in columns and staggered rows. The depth ofengagement was 2.54 mm and the spacing between teeth was 2.54 mm.

Samples 6a, 6b, and 6c: The material of Sample 2 was provided withconforming features comprising the DIAMOND pattern for 6a, the CENTERpattern for 6b, and the ALT pattern for 6c.

Samples 7a, 7b, and 7c: The material of Sample 3 was provided withconforming features comprising the DIAMOND pattern for 7a, the CENTERpattern for 7b, and the ALT pattern for 7c.

Samples 8a, 8b, and 8c: The material of Sample 4 was provided withconforming features comprising the DIAMOND pattern for 8a, the CENTERpattern for 8b, and the ALT pattern for 8c.

Samples 9a, 9b, and 9c: A 24 gsm hydrophilic carded nonwoven and thematerial of Sample 2 were provided with conforming features comprisingthe DIAMOND pattern for 9a, the CENTER pattern for 9b, and the ALTpattern for 9c. The 24 gsm nonwoven was utilized as a fluid managementlayer in these Samples and positioned superjacent to the absorbentcores.Samples 10a, 10b, and 10c: The material of Sample 3 and a 35 gsmlaminate material comprising AGM and a tissue layer were provided withconforming features comprising the DIAMOND pattern for 10a, the CENTERpattern for 10b, and the ALT pattern for 10c.Samples 11a, 11b, and 11c: A 110 gsm carded spunlace (38-40 mm fiberlength) material comprising 35.9 percent viscose, 34.1 percentpolyethylene terephthalate, and 30 percent polyethyleneterephthalate/copolyethylene terephthalate bicomponent fibers and thematerial of Sample 4 were provided with conforming features comprisingthe DIAMOND pattern for 11a, the CENTER pattern for 11b, and the ALTpattern for 11c.

Each of Samples 12a-14d comprised a hydrophobic 24 gsm carded airthrough bonded nonwoven having bi-component fibers with polyethylene andpolyethylene terephthalate and a lower layer of 25 gsm spunbond webcomprising bi-component fibers having polyethylene and polypropylenecomponents, wherein the lower layer was treated with a surfactant at0.45 percent by weight. The upper and lower layers were apertured viathe overbonding process described in FIGS. 9A and 9B and comprised theaperture pattern shown in FIG. 22. This material will collectively bereferred to as the TOPSHEET in the description of the remainder of theSamples.

Additionally, some of the Samples, namely 12a, 13a, and 14a, wereprovided with embossing, which as noted previously, is not considered aconforming feature for the sake of this disclosure. In order tofacilitate review of this data, the terms “emboss”; “DIA” (for DIAMOND);“CEN” (for CENTER); or “ALT” are utilized in the Tables regardingSamples 12a-14d.

Samples 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d: The TOPSHEET and the material describedin Samples 9a, 9b, and 9c, were provided with embossing for 12a, theDIAMOND pattern for 12b, the CENTER pattern for 12c, and the ALT patternfor 12d.

Samples 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d: The TOPSHEET and the material describedin Samples 10a, 10b, and 10c, were provided with embossing for 13a, theDIAMOND pattern for 13b, the CENTER pattern for 13c, and the ALT patternfor 13d.

Samples 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d: The TOPSHEET and the material describedin Samples 11a, 11b, an 11c, were provided with embossing for 14a, theDIAMOND pattern for 14b, the CENTER pattern for 14c, and the ALT patternfor 14d.

Conventional Sample 1—Always Ultra Thin size 1 available in market inWestern Europe.

Conventional Sample 2—SCA Bodyform size 1 available in market in WesternEurope.

Test Methods

Layers of Interest

For any of the methods below in which all the component layers of anarticle will not be tested, the layers of interest may be separatedusing cryo-spray as needed from layers which will not be tested.

AMF (Artificial Menstrual Fluid)

The Artificial Menstrual Fluid (AMF) is composed of a mixture ofdefibrinated sheep blood, a phosphate buffered saline solution and amucous component. The AMF is prepared such that it has a viscositybetween 7.15 to 8.65 centistokes at 23° C.

Viscosity on the AMF is performed using a low viscosity rotaryviscometer (a suitable instrument is the Cannon LV-2020 RotaryViscometer with UL adapter, Cannon Instrument Co., State College, Pa.,or equivalent). The appropriate size spindle for the viscosity range isselected, and instrument is operated and calibrated as per themanufacturer. Measurements are taken at 23° C.±1 C.° and at 60 rpm.Results are reported to the nearest 0.01 centistokes.

Reagents needed for the AMF preparation include: defibrinated sheepblood with a packed cell volume of 38% or greater (collected understerile conditions, available from Cleveland Scientific, Inc., Bath,Ohio, or equivalent), gastric mucin with a viscosity target of 3-4centistokes when prepared as a 2% aqueous solution (crude form,available from Sterilized American Laboratories, Inc., Omaha, Nebr., orequivalent), 10% v/v lactic acid aqueous solution, 10% w/v potassiumhydroxide aqueous solution, sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous (reagentgrade), sodium chloride (reagent grade), sodium phosphate monobasicmonohydrate (reagent grade) and distilled water, each available from VWRInternational or an equivalent source.

The phosphate buffered saline solution consists of two individuallyprepared solutions (Solution A and Solution B). To prepare 1 L ofSolution A, add 1.38±0.005 g of sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrateand 8.50±0.005 g of sodium chloride to a 1000 mL volumetric flask andadd distilled water to volume. Mix thoroughly. To prepare 1 L ofSolution B, add 1.42±0.005 g of sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous and8.50±0.005 g of sodium chloride to a 1000 mL volumetric flask and adddistilled water to volume. Mix thoroughly. To prepare the phosphatebuffered saline solution, add 450±10 mL of Solution B to a 1000 mLbeaker and stir at low speed on a stir plate. Insert a calibrated pHprobe (accurate to 0.1) into the beaker of Solution B and add enoughSolution A, while stirring, to bring the pH to 7.2±0.1.

The mucous component is a mixture of the phosphate buffered salinesolution, potassium hydroxide aqueous solution, gastric mucin and lacticacid aqueous solution. The amount of gastric mucin added to the mucouscomponent directly affects the final viscosity of the prepared AMF. Todetermine the amount of gastric mucin needed to achieve AMF within thetarget viscosity range (7.15-8.65 centistokes at 23° C.) prepare 3batches of AMF with varying amounts of gastric mucin in the mucouscomponent, and then interpolate the exact amount needed from aconcentration versus viscosity curve with a least squares linear fitthrough the three points. A successful range of gastric mucin is usuallybetween 38 to 50 grams.

To prepare about 500 mL of the mucous component, add 460±10 mL of thepreviously prepared phosphate buffered saline solution and 7.5±0.5 mL ofthe 10% w/v potassium hydroxide aqueous solution to a 1000 mL heavy dutyglass beaker. Place this beaker onto a stirring hot plate and whilestirring, bring the temperature to 45° C.±5 C°. Weigh the pre-determinedamount of gastric mucin (±0.50 g) and slowly sprinkle it, withoutclumping, into the previously prepared liquid that has been brought to45° C. Cover the beaker and continue mixing. Over a period of 15 minutesbring the temperature of this mixture to above 50° C. but not to exceed80° C. Continue heating with gentle stirring for 2.5 hours whilemaintaining this temperature range. After the 2.5 hours has elapsed,remove the beaker from the hot plate and cool to below 40° C. Next add1.8±0.2 mL of the 10% v/v lactic acid aqueous solution and mixthoroughly. Autoclave the mucous component mixture at 121° C. for 15minutes and allow 5 minutes for cool down. Remove the mixture of mucouscomponent from the autoclave and stir until the temperature reaches 23°C.±1 C°.

Allow the temperature of the sheep blood and mucous component to come to23° C.±1 C°. Using a 500 mL graduated cylinder, measure the volume ofthe entire batch of the previously prepared mucous component and add itto a 1200 mL beaker. Add an equal volume of sheep blood to the beakerand mix thoroughly. Using the viscosity method previously described,ensure the viscosity of the AMF is between 7.15-8.65 centistokes. If notthe batch is disposed and another batch is made adjusting the mucouscomponent as appropriate.

The qualified AMF should be refrigerated at 4° C. unless intended forimmediate use. AMF may be stored in an air-tight container at 4° C. forup to 48 hours after preparation. Prior to testing, the AMF must bebrought to 23° C.±1 C°. Any unused portion is discarded after testing iscomplete.

Blot Test

The Blot test measures the amount of AMF transferred to an article froma blotter sheet (as the residual AMF left on the blotter sheet), and thesize of the stain as measured on the article's surface. This blot isrepeated on the same specimen for a total of five times, with thecumulative blot dimension and individual residual mass on the blottersheet recorded after each blot. A blotter sheet (available as ApolloPlain Paper Copier Transparency Film, ACCO brands, Ronkonkoma, N.Y., orequivalent) is used as a blotting surface. The surface energy asdetermined by ASTM D7490-13 of the blotter sheet should be approximately50 mJ/m². The blotter sheets are cut to a dimension of 76 mm long by 63mm wide for testing. A nylon plate 76 mm long by 63 mm wide by 3 mmthick is paired with a weight, which together have a combined mass toprovide a confining pressure of 0.69 KPa on the specimen. AMF asdescribed herein is used for the test fluid. Using a cutting die (76 mmlong by 63 mm wide) cut a specimen from the longitudinal and lateralmidpoint of the article. Remove the release paper and lightly talc theadhesive to reduce stickiness. Measure the mass of a single blottersheet and record to the nearest 0.0001 g. Place the sheet onto a benchtop. Pipet 1.00 mL of AMF onto the center of the blotter sheet. Lineupthe specimen with the edges of the sheet and lower the specimen, bodyfacing side down, onto the blotter sheet. Place the nylon plate withweight onto the specimen and wait 15 min. Afterwards remove the plateand weight, then the specimen. Place the specimen body side facingupwards onto the bench. Measure the mass of the blotter sheet andresidual AMF and record to the nearest 0.0001 g. Subtract the blottersheet's original mass from the total mass and report as AMF residual tothe nearest 0.0001 g. Using a calibrated ruler, measure a bounding box(rectangle) that encompasses the stain as observed from the top surfaceof the specimen and record as length in the CD direction and length inthe MD direction. Calculate and record the stain area (CD×MD) asobserved from the top and record to the nearest 1 mm². Turn the specimenover and measure a bounding box (rectangle) that encompasses the stainas observed from the bottom of the specimen and record as length in theCD direction and length in the MD direction. Calculate and record thestain area (CD×MD) as observed from the bottom and record to the nearest1 mm².

In like fashion, using the same blotter sheet and specimen, dose thespecimen four (4) additional times using a 1.00 mL aliquot for eachcycle. Report the residual AMF from the blotter sheet and the stain areaas seen from both top and bottom of the specimen for each cycle.

Bunch Compression

Bunched Compression of a sample is measured on a constant rate ofextension tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the MTS Allianceusing Testworks 4.0 software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., EdenPrairie, Minn., or equivalent) using a load cell for which the forcesmeasured are within 10% to 90% of the limit of the cell. All testing isperformed in a room controlled at 23° C.±3 C° and 50%±2% relativehumidity. The test can be performed wet or dry.

Referring to FIGS. 25-27B, the bottom stationary fixture 3000 consistsof two matching sample clamps 3001 each 100 mm wide each mounted on itsown movable platform 3002 a, 3002 b. The clamp has a “knife edge” 3009that is 110 mm long, which clamps against a 1 mm thick hard rubber face3008. When closed, the clamps are flush with the interior side of itsrespective platform. The clamps are aligned such that they hold anun-bunched specimen horizontal and orthogonal to the pull axis of thetensile tester. The platforms are mounted on a rail 3003 which allowsthem to be moved horizontally left to right and locked into position.The rail has an adapter 3004 compatible with the mount of the tensiletester capable of securing the platform horizontally and orthogonal tothe pull axis of the tensile tester. The upper fixture 2000 is acylindrical plunger 2001 having an overall length of 70 mm with adiameter of 25.0 mm. The contact surface 2002 is flat with no curvature.The plunger 2001 has an adapter 2003 compatible with the mount on theload cell capable of securing the plunger orthogonal to the pull axis ofthe tensile tester.

Samples are conditioned at 23° C.±3 C° and 50%±2% relative humidity forat least 2 hours before testing. When testing a whole article, removethe release paper from any panty fastening adhesive on the garmentfacing side of the article. Lightly apply talc powder to the adhesive tomitigate any tackiness. If there are cuffs, excise them with scissors,taking care not to disturb the top sheet of the product. Place thearticle, body facing surface up, on a bench. On the article identify theintersection of the longitudinal midline and the lateral midline. Usinga rectangular cutting die, cut a specimen 100 mm in the longitudinaldirection by 80 mm in the lateral direction, centered at theintersection of the midlines. When testing just the absorbent body of anarticle, place the absorbent body on a bench and orient as it will beintegrated into an article, i.e., identify the body facing surface andthe lateral and longitudinal axis. Using a rectangular cutting die, cuta specimen 100 mm in the longitudinal direction by 80 mm in the lateraldirection, centered at the intersection of the midlines.

The specimen can be analyzed both wet and dry. The dry specimen requiresno further preparation. The wet specimens are dosed with 7.00 mL±0.01 mL10% w/v saline solution (100.0 g of NaCl diluted to 1 L deionizedwater). The dose is added using a calibrated Eppendorf-type pipettor,spreading the fluid over the complete body facing surface of thespecimen within a period of approximately 3 sec. The wet specimen istested 15.0 min±0.1 min after the dose is applied.

Program the tensile tester to zero the load cell, then lower the upperfixture at 2.00 mm/sec until the contact surface of the plunger touchesthe specimen and 0.02 N is read at the load cell. Zero the crosshead.Program the system to lower the crosshead 15.00 mm at 2.00 mm/sec thenimmediately raise the crosshead 15.00 mm at 2.00 mm/sec. This cycle isrepeated for a total of five cycles, with no delay between cycles. Datais collected at 100 Hz during all compression/decompression cycles.

Position the left platform 3002 a 2.5 mm from the side of the upperplunger (distance 3005). Lock the left platform into place. Thisplatform 3002 a will remain stationary throughout the experiment. Alignthe right platform 3002 b 50.0 mm from the stationary clamp (distance3006). Raise the upper probe 2001 such that it will not interfere withloading the specimen. Open both clamps. Place the specimen with itslongitudinal edges (i.e., the 100 mm long edges) within the clamps. Withthe specimen laterally centered, securely fasten both edges. Move theright platform 3002 b toward the stationary platform 3002 a a distance20.0 mm Allow the specimen to bow upward as the movable platform ispositioned. Manually lower the probe 2001 until the bottom surface isapproximately 1 cm above the top of the bowed specimen.

Start the test and collect displacement (mm) verses force (N) data forall five cycles. Construct a graph of Force (N) versus displacement (mm)separately for all cycles. A representative curve is shown in FIG. 27A.From the curve record the Maximum Compression Force for each Cycle tothe nearest 0.01N. Calculate the % Recovery between the First and Secondcycle as (TD−E2)/(TD−E1)*100 where TD is the total displacement and E2is the extension on the second compression curve that exceeds 0.02 N.Record to the nearest 0.01%. In like fashion calculate the % Recoverybetween the First Cycle and other cycles as (TD−E_(i))/(TD−E1)*100 andreport to the nearest 0.01%. Referring to FIG. 27B, calculate the Energyof Compression for Cycle 1 as the area under the compression curve(i.e., area A+B) and record to the nearest 0.1 mJ. Calculate the EnergyLoss from Cycle 1 as the area between the compression and decompressioncurves (i.e., Area A) and report to the nearest 0.1 mJ. Calculate theEnergy of Recovery for Cycle 1 as the area under the decompression curve(i.e. Area B) and report to the nearest 0.1 mJ. In like fashioncalculate the Energy of Compression (mJ), Energy Loss (mJ) and Energy ofRecovery (mJ) for each of the other cycles and record to the nearest 0.1mJ

For each sample, analyze a total of five (5) replicates and report thearithmetic mean for each parameter. All results are reportedspecifically as dry or wet including test fluid (0.9% or 10%).

Caliper

Caliper at 0.69 KPa can be performed on the whole product or specificlayers of interest. Layers of interest are separated using cryo-spray asneeded. Samples are conditioned at 23° C.±3 C° and 50%±2% relativehumidity for two hours prior to testing. Unless otherwise specifiedcalipers are performed centered at the visibly identifiable zones.

The caliper of a specimen is measured using a calibrated digital linearcaliper (e.g. Ono Sokki GS-503 or equivalent fitted with a 24.2 mmdiameter foot with an anvil that is large enough that the specimen canlie flat. The foot applies a confining pressure of 0.69 KPa to thespecimen. Zero the caliper foot against the anvil. Lift the foot andinsert the specimen flat against the anvil with the body facing sidefacing upward and the site of interest centered under the foot. Lowerthe foot at about 5 mm/sec onto the specimen. Read the caliper (mm) 5.0sec after resting the foot on the specimen and record to the nearest0.01 mm.

Long Fiber Basis Weight

The long fiber basis weight determines the basis weight of fibers longerthan 6.0 mm found in the top sheet, secondary top sheet and core of anarticle. Nonwovens such as spunlace, spunbond, or film laminates used astop sheets or fluid management layers will be treated as long fibers.

Cut a specimen 25.4 mm by 25.4 mm at the longitudinal and lateral centerof the article through the entire article using a cutting die. The edgesof the specimen are cut parallel and perpendicular to the longitudinaland lateral axis of the article. Remove the back sheet from the cutspecimen then measure the mass of the remaining specimen to the nearest0.0001 g and record. Calculate the basis weight of the specimen andrecord to the nearest 0.01 gsm. Separate the top sheet, secondary topsheet, and core into individual specimens to be tested. Measure the massof each layer to the nearest 0.0001 g and record as TS1, STS1 and C1respectively. Inspect each layer to determine if it contains cellulosicfibers.

Layers containing cellulosic fibers are analyzed as follows. Prepare astock Schweizer reagent by dissolving Copper(II) hydroxide in ammoniumhydroxide (%50 v/v) at a ratio of 1:4 w/w. Submerge the specimen in avolume of the reagent in excess of 30 g of reagent for each 1 g ofcellulose in the specimen. Place the mixture on an orbital rocker todigest for 16 hrs. Afterward collect the polymeric fibers from themixture and place into 50 mL of water. Repeat wash step until bluereagent is removed from the fibers. Transfer the fibers into a taredpetri dish and with the aid of a stereomicroscope determine if thelengths of the fibers are longer than 6.0 mm Dry the fibers that arelonger than 6.0 mm and measure and record their mass to the nearest0.001 g.

Calculate the basis weight of the layers that do not contain cellulosefibers and record to the nearest 0.01 gsm. For layers that do containcellulose, calculate the basis weight of the fibers that are longer than6.0 mm and record to the nearest 0.001 gsm. Sum the basis weights foreach of the layers to determine the overall basis weight of fibers over6.0 mm and report to the nearest 0.01 gsm.

Three Point Bend

The bending properties of a sample are measured on a constant rate ofextension tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight HSELusing Testworks 4.0 Software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., EdenPrairie, Minn.) using a load cell for which the forces measured arewithin 2% to 90% of the limit of the cell. All testing is performed in aroom controlled at 23° C.±3 C° and 50%±2% relative humidity.

The bottom stationary fixture consists of two bars 3.175 mm in diameterby 60 mm in length, made of polished stainless steel each mounted on itsown vertical fork. These 2 bars are mounted horizontally, aligned frontto back and parallel to each other, with top radii of the barsvertically aligned. Furthermore, the fixture allows for the two bars tobe move horizontally away from each other on a track so that a span canbe set between them while maintaining their orientation. The top movablefixture consists of a third bar also 3.175 mm in diameter by 60 mm inlength, made of polished stainless steel mounted on a vertical fork.When in place the bar of the top fixture is parallel to and alignedfront to back with the bars of the bottom fixture. Both fixtures includean integral adapter appropriate to fit the respective position on thetensile tester frame and lock into position such that the bars areorthogonal to the motion of the crossbeam of the tensile tester.

Set the span between the bars of the lower fixture to 25 mm±0.05 mm(center of bar to center of bar) with the upper bar centered at themidpoint between the lower bars. Set the gage (bottom of top bar to topof lower bars) to 1.0 cm.

Samples are conditioned at 23° C.±3 C° and 50%±2% relative humidity twohours prior to testing. Remove the overwrap and release papers wereremoved from pads. Dust the exposed adhesive surfaces on the back sheetand if present wings with talcum powder to eliminate adhesive tack.Remove in excess talc from the surfaces. Lay the pads flat, top sheetfacing upward on a lab bench, and mark the longitudinal midline of theproduct. Next, mark a lateral line across the product using thelongitudinal midline of the wings. If no wings are present mark alateral line at the midpoint of the core. Remove rectangular specimensfrom the front (Zone A), middle (Zone B) and rear (Zone C). Eachspecimen is centered along the longitudinal axis of the sample, is 50.8mm in the longitudinal direction by 30 mm in the lateral direction andis the entire thickness of the product. Zone A specimen is centered 45.4mm from the front edge of the product. Zone B is centered at the lateralmark on the sample. Zone C is centered at 45.4 mm from the rear of theproduct. For each specimen measure the caliper at its center asdescribed and record to the nearest 0.01 mm.

Program the tensile tester for a compression test, to move the crossheaddown at a rate of 1.0 mm/sec for 25 mm collecting force (N) anddisplacement (m) data at 50 Hz and return the crosshead to its originalgage. Load a specimen such that it spans the two lower bars centeredunder the upper bar. A CD bend refers to bending along the longitudinalaxis of the pad (longitudinal direction parallel to bars) and MD bendrefers to bending along the lateral axis of the pad (lateral directionparallel to bars). Zero the crosshead and load cell. Start the run andcollect data.

Construct a graph of force (N) verses displacement (mm). Read themaximum Peak Force from the graph and divide by the specimen width (m).Record as the Peak Force/Width to nearest 0.1 N/m. From the curve,calculate the Slope as the greatest slope of a linear segment fitted tothe curve, wherein the length of the segment incorporates 20% of thecurve then divide by the width of the specimen and report to the nearest0.1 N/mm From the slope calculate:Modulus (N/mm²)=Slope*[25³/(4*Sample Width*Caliper³)]Moment of Inertia (mm⁴)=(Sample Width*Caliper³)/12Bending Stiffness (N*mm²)=Modulus*Moment of Inertia

where caliper and sample width are in mm.

Measures are repeated in like fashion for 10 MD and 10 CD specimens andreport the average separately for each of the ten values for Modulus tothe nearest 0.01 N/m² and Bending Stiffness to the nearest 0.01 N*mm².

NMR MOUSE

The NMR-MOUSE (Mobile Universal Surface Explorer) is a portable open NMRsensor equipped with a permanent magnet geometry that generates a highlyuniform gradient perpendicular to the scanner surface. Referring toFIGS. 23 and 24, a frame 1007 with horizontal plane 1006 supports thespecimen and remains stationary during the test. A flat sensitive volumeof the specimen is excited and detected by a surface rf coil 1012 placedon top of the magnet 1010 at a position that defines the maximumpenetration depth into the specimen. By repositioning the sensitiveslice across the specimen by means of a high precision lift 1008, thescanner can produce one-dimensional profiles of the specimen's structurewith high spatial resolution.

An exemplary instrument is the Profile NMR-MOUSE model PM25 withHigh-Precision Lift available from Magritek Inc., San Diego, Calif.Requirements for the NMR-MOUSE are a 100 μm resolution in thez-direction, a measuring frequency of 13.5 MHz, a maximum measuringdepth of 25 mm, a static gradient of 8 T/m, and a sensitive volume (x-ydimension) of 40 by 40 mm². Before the instrument can be used, performphasing adjustment, check resonance frequency and check external noiselevel as per the manufacturer's instruction. A syringe pump capable ofdelivering test fluid in the range of 1 mL/min to 5 mL/min±0.01 mL/minis used to dose the specimen. All measurements are conducted in a roomcontrolled at 23° C.±0.5° C. and 50%±2% relative humidity.

The test solution is Paper Industry Fluid (PIF) prepared as 15 gcarboxymethylcellulose, 10 g NaCl, 4 g NaHCO₃, 80 g glycerol (allavailable from SigmaAldrich) in 1000 g distilled water. 2 mM/L ofDiethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid gadolinium (III) dihydrogen salt(available from SigmaAldrich) is added to each. After addition thesolutions are stirred using a shaker at 160 rpm for one hour. Afterwardsthe solutions are checked to assure no visible undissolved crystalsremain. The solution is prepared 10 hours prior to use.

Products for testing are conditioned at 23° C.±0.5° C. and 50%±2%relative humidity for two hours prior to testing. Identify theintersection of the lateral and longitudinal center line of the product.Cut a 40.0 mm by 40.0 mm specimen from the product, centered at thatintersection, with the cut edges parallel and perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the product. The garment facing side of thespecimen 1003 is mounted on a 50 mm×50 mm×0.30 mm glass slide 1001 usinga 40.0 mm by 40.0 mm piece of double-sided tape 1002 (tape must besuitable to provide NMR Amplitude signal). A top cap 1004 is prepared byadhering two 50 mm×50 mm×0.30 mm glass slides 1001 together using a 40mm by 40 mm piece of two-sided tape 1002. The cap is then placed on topof the specimen. The two tape layers are used as functional markers todefine the dimension of the specimen by the instrument.

First a 1-D Dry Distribution Profile of the specimen is collected. Placethe prepared specimen onto the instrument aligned over top the coils.Program the NMR-MOUSE for a Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulsesequence consisting of a 90° x-pulse follow by a refocusing pulse of180° y-pulse using the following conditions:

Repetition Time=500 ms

Number of Scans=8

Number of Echoes=8

Resolution=100 μm

Step Size=−100 μm

Collect NMR Amplitude data (in arbitrary units, a.u.) versus depth (μm)as the high precision lift steps through the specimen's depth.

The second measure is the Kinetic Experiment of the test fluid movingthough the sensitive NMR volume as test fluid is slowly added to the topof the specimen. The “trickle” dose is followed by a “gush” dose addedusing a calibrated dispenser pipet. Program the NMR-MOUSE for a CPMGpulse sequence using the following conditions:

Measurement Depth=5 mm

Repetition Time=200 ms

90° Amplitude=−7 dB

180° Amplitude=0 dB

Pulse Length=5 μs Echo Time=90 μs

Number of Echoes=128

Echo Shift=1 μs

Experiments before trigger=50

Experiments after trigger=2000

Rx Gain=31 dB

Acquisition Time=8 μs

Number of Scans=1

Rx Phase is determined during the phase adjustment as described by thevendor. A value of 230° was typical for our experiments. Pulse lengthdepends on measurement depth which here is 5 mm. If necessary the depthcan be adjusted using the spacer 1011.

Using the precision lift adjust the height of the specimen so that thedesired target region is aligned with the instruments sensitive volume.Target regions can be chosen based on SEM cross sections. Program thesyringe pump to deliver 1.00 mL/min±0.01 mL for 1.00 min for PIF testfluid or 5.00 mL/min±0.01 mL for 1.00 min for 0.9% Saline test fluid.Start the measurement and collect NMR Amplitude (a.u.) for 50experiments before initiating fluid flow to provide a signal baseline.Position the outlet tube from the syringe pump over the center of thespecimen and move during applying liquid over the total sample surface,but do not touch the borders of the sample. Trigger the system tocontinue collection of NMR amplitude data while simultaneouslyinitiating fluid flow for 1 mL over 60 sec. At 300 sec after thetrigger, add 0.50 mL of test fluid at approximately 0.5 mL/sec to thecenter of the specimen via a calibrated Eppendorf pipet. Utilizing thegenerated NMR Amplitude versus time graph following the second insultthat is the ‘gush dose’ the % change in signal Amplitude versus time canbe determined as well as the time required to reduce the Amplitudesignal from its peak following the ‘gush dose’ by for example 20%, 30%,50%, 75% or 100% can be determined. Reduction of signal amplitude occursas fluid is absorbed and distributed beyond preset NMR viewing range.

The third measurement is a 1-D Wet Distribution Profile Immediatelyafter the Kinetic measurement is complete, replace the cap on thespecimen. The Wet Distribution is run under the same experimentalconditions as the previous Dry Distribution, described above.

Calibration of the NMR Amplitude for the Kinetic signal can be performedby filling glass vials (8 mm outer diameter and a defined inner diameterby at least 50 mm tall) with the appropriate fluid. Set the instrumentconditions as described for the kinetics experiment. A calibration curveis constructed by placing an increasing number of vials onto theinstrument (vials should be distributed equally over the 40 mm×40 mmmeasurement region) and perform the kinetic measurements. The volumesare calculated as the summed cross sectional area of the vials presentmultiplied by the z-resolution where Resolution (mm) is calculated as1/Acquisition Time (s) divided by the instruments Gradient Strength(Hz/mm). The Calibration of the NMR Amplitude for the DistributionProfile is performed as an internal calibration based on the dry and wetprofiles. In this procedure, the area beneath wet and dry profile werecalculated and after subtracting them the total area (excluding markers)was obtained. This total area is correlated to the amount of appliedliquid (here 1.5 mL). The liquid amount (μL) per 100 μm step can then becalculated. From the 1-D Wet Distribution Profile calculate the volumein the top 0.5 mm of the sample and report as microliter to the nearest0.1 microliter.

Free Fluid Acquisition

Artificial menstrual fluid (AMF), prepared as described herein, is dosedonto the surface of an article. All measurements are performed atconstant temperature (23° C.±2 C.°) and relative humidity (50%±2%).

Absorbent article samples are conditioned at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2%relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing. Place a sample articleflat, with the top sheet of the product facing upward. Position the tipof a mechanical pipette about 1 cm above the center (longitudinal andlateral midpoint) of the article's absorbent core, and accuratelypipette 1.00 mL±0.05 mL of AMF onto the surface. The fluid is dispensedwithout splashing, within a period of 2 seconds. As soon as the fluidmakes contact with the test sample, start a timer accurate to 0.01seconds. After the fluid has been acquired (no pool of fluid left on thesurface), stop the timer and record the Acquisition Time to the nearest0.01 second. Wait 2 minutes. In like fashion, a second and third dose ofAMF are applied to the test sample and the acquisition times arerecorded to the nearest 0.01 second.

This entire procedure is repeated on five substantially similarreplicate articles. The reported value is the average of the fiveindividual recorded measurements for Free Fluid Acquisition Time (first,second and third) to the nearest 0.01 second.

Overlap Distance Test

A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is used to obtain an image of thecross-section of an absorbent article where an intentional depressionhas been made. From this image, the amount of overlap of fiber massesdirectly adjacent to the depression is measured. All measurements areperformed in a laboratory maintained at 23° C.±2 C.° and 50%±2% relativehumidity and test specimens are conditioned in this environment for atleast 2 hours prior to testing.

Obtain a test specimen by excising the layer(s) of interest from anabsorbent article, if necessary. When excising an individual layer (orlayers), use care to not impart any contamination or distortion to thetest region during the process. The test region contains the area wherean intentional depression has been made. A razor blade (such as VWRSingle Edge Industrial, 0.009″ thick surgical carbon steel availablefrom VWR Scientific, Radnor, Pa., USA, or equivalent) is used to sectionthe test specimen. Using the razor blade, a cut is made along thelateral axis of a depression at its longitudinal midpoint so that across-section of the depression can be imaged. The test specimen is thenadhered to a mount using double-sided Cu tape, with the cross-sectionface up, and sputter AU coated.

Secondary Electron (SE) images of the cross-sectioned test specimen areobtained using an SEM (such as FEI Quanta 450 available from FEICompany, Hillsboro, Oreg., USA, or equivalent), operated in high-vacuummode using acceleration voltages between 3 and 5 kV and a workingdistance of approximately 12-18 mm. This methodology assumes the analystis skilled in SEM operation so that images are obtained with sufficientcontrast for analysis. The instrument is calibrated according to themanufacturer's specifications prior to use to ensure an accuratedistance scale.

The test specimen is viewed at a magnification that enables clearvisualization of the full depth of the depression along with the fibermasses on each side of the depression, and an image is acquired. Theimage is then analyzed to determine the overlap of the fiber masses.Referring back to FIG. 15C, first draw a Center Line 1507 on the imagethat runs parallel to the z-direction (thickness) of the test specimenand intersects the center of the depression (e.g. where the fiber massesmeet). Draw a Base Line 1509 on the image that runs parallel to the x-ydirection of the test specimen at the base of the depression. Along thecontour of the fiber mass along its edge nearest the depression,determine where the fiber mass edge reaches the Base Line and mark as“OD” (line 1505). Measure the distance 1503 between the Center Line andlocation “OD” to the nearest 0.01 mm and record as Overlap Distance. Inlike fashion, repeat for a total of 5 replicates. Calculate thearithmetic mean for Overlap Distance and report to the nearest 0.01 mm.

Surface Energy/Contact Angle Method

Contact angles on substrates are determined using ASTM D7490-13 modifiedwith the specifics as describe herein, using a goniometer andappropriate image analysis software (a suitable instrument is theFTA200, First Ten Angstroms, Portsmouth, Va., or equivalent) fitted witha 1 mL capacity, gas tight syringe with a No. 27 blunt tipped stainlesssteel needle. Two test fluids are used: Type II reagent water(distilled) in accordance with ASTM Specification D1193-99 and 99+%purity diiodomethane (both available from Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis,Mo.). Contact angles from these two test fluids can further be used tocalculate surface energy based on the Owens-Wendt-Kaelble equation. Alltesting is to be performed at about 23° C.±2 C.° and a relative humidityof about 50%±2%.

Set up the goniometer on a vibration-isolation table and level the stageaccording to the manufacturer's instructions. The video capture devicemust have an acquisition speed capable of capturing at least 10-20images from the time the drop hits the surface of the specimen to thetime it cannot be resolved from the specimen's surface. A capture rateof 900 images/sec is typical. Depending on thehydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of the specimen, the drop may or may notrapidly wet the surface of the nonwoven sample. In the case of slowacquisition, the images should be acquired until 2% of the volume of thedrop is absorbed into the specimen. If the acquisition is extremelyfast, the first resolved image should be used if the second image showsmore than 2% volume loss.

Place the specimen on the goniometer's stage and adjust the hypodermicneedle to the distance from the surface recommended by the instrument'smanufacturer (typically 3 mm). If necessary, adjust the position of thespecimen to place the target site under the needle tip. Focus the videodevice such that a sharp image of the drop on the surface of thespecimen can be captured. Start the image acquisition. Deposit a 5μL±0.1 μL drop onto the specimen. If there is visible distortion of thedrop shape due to movement, repeat at a different, but equivalent,target location. Make two angle measurements on the drop (one on eachdrop edge) from the image at which there is a 2% drop volume loss. Ifthe contact angles on two edges are different by more than 4°, thevalues should be excluded and the test repeated at an equivalentlocation on the specimen. Identify five additional equivalent sites onthe specimen and repeat for a total of 6 measurements (12 angles).Calculate the arithmetic mean for this side of the specimen and reportto the nearest 0.01°. In like fashion, measure the contact angle on theopposite side of the specimen for 6 drops (12 angles) and reportseparately to the nearest 0.01°.

To calculate surface energy, the contact angle for both water anddiiodomethane must be tested as described above. The value for each testfluid is then substituted into two separate expressions of theOwens-Wendt-Kaelble equation (one for each fluid). This results in twoequations and two unknowns, which are then solved for the dispersion andpolar components of surface tension.

The Owens-Wendt-Kaelble equation:

$\frac{\gamma_{l}( {1 + {\cos\;\theta}} )}{2} = {( {\gamma_{l}^{d} + \gamma_{s}^{d}} )^{0.5} + ( {\gamma_{l}^{p} + \gamma_{s}^{p}} )^{0.5}}$where:θ=the average contact angle for the test liquid on the test specimenγ_(l) and γ_(s)=the surface tension of the test liquid and testspecimen, respectively, in dyn/cmγ^(d) and γ^(p)=the dispersion and polar components of the surfacetension, respectively, in dyn/cm

Surface Tension (γ_(l)) (dyn/cm) Solvent Dispersion Polar TotalDiiodomethane 50.8 0.0 50.8 Water 21.8 51.0 72.8

The Owens-Wendt-Kaelble equation is simplified to the following when adispersive solvent such as diiodomethane is used since the polarcomponent is zero:

$\frac{\gamma_{l}( {1 + {\cos\;\theta}} )}{2} = ( {\gamma_{l}^{d} + \gamma_{s}^{d}} )^{0.5}$

Using the values from the table and θ (measured) for diiodomethane, theequation can be solved for the dispersive component of surface energy(γ^(d) _(s)). Now using the values from the table and θ (measured) forwater, and the calculated value (γ^(d) _(s)), the Owens-Wendt-Kaelbleequation can be solved for the polar component of surface energy (γ^(p)_(s)). The sum of γ^(d) _(s)+γ^(p) _(s) is the total solid surfacetension and is reported to the nearest 0.1 dyn/cm.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A disposable absorbent article having alongitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline, a first region, asecond region, and a target region disposed between the first region andthe second region, each of the first region, the second region, andtarget region extending laterally across the disposable absorbentarticle, the disposable absorbent article further comprising: atopsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheetand the backsheet; a fluid management layer disposed between thetopsheet and the absorbent core; a target zone disposed in the targetregion, wherein the target zone comprises a first plurality ofconforming features in at least the absorbent core or a combination ofthe absorbent core and at least one of the topsheet or the fluidmanagement layer; a long fiber network comprised by at least one of theabsorbent core, the topsheet, the fluid management layer, or acombination of the absorbent core and at least one of the fluidmanagement layer or the topsheet; and a second plurality of conformingfeatures, wherein the second plurality of conforming features aredifferent than the first plurality of conforming features in at leastone of shape, depth, length, distance between adjacent features, densityof features per square cm, or orientation of the feature, wherein thesecond plurality of conforming features are comprised by a first zoneand/or a second zone and wherein the first zone and the second zone aredisposed laterally and/or longitudinally outboard of the target zone inthe target region; wherein the target zone has a lower bending modulusand/or bending stiffness than the first zone and/or the second zone asmeasured by the three point bending test disclosed herein.
 2. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent corecomprises a plurality of cellulose fibers, wherein the absorbent corecomprises the long fiber network.
 3. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 2, wherein the absorbent core is an airlaid absorbent corecomprising a plurality of cellulose fibers and a plurality of bondablefibers and wherein the bondable fibers comprise at least 15 percent byweight of the absorbent core.
 4. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 3, wherein the bondable fibers are staple length.
 5. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 3, wherein the bondable fibers arecontinuous.
 6. The disposable absorbent article of claim 1, wherein thelong fiber network is comprised by the combination of the absorbent coreand the fluid management layer.
 7. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 6, wherein the absorbent core comprises a first basis weight,wherein the fluid management layer comprises a second basis weight, andwherein the second basis weight is at least 25 percent of the firstbasis weight.
 8. The disposable absorbent article of claim 7, whereinthe fluid management layer comprises staple length fibers.
 9. Thedisposable absorbent article of claim 8, wherein the fluid managementlayer is hydroentangled or needlepunched.
 10. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 6, wherein the fluid management layer comprisescellulose fibers and a plurality of bicomponent fibers, wherein theabsorbent core comprises a first basis weight and the bicomponent fiberscomprise a second basis weight, wherein the second basis weight is atleast 25 percent of the first basis weight.
 11. The disposable absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the long fiber network is comprised by thecombination of the absorbent core and the topsheet.
 12. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 1, wherein the long fiber network iscomprised by the combination of the absorbent core, the fluid managementlayer, and the topsheet.
 13. The disposable absorbent article of claim1, wherein each of the first zone and second zone extend from the firstregion to the second region.
 14. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 13, wherein the target zone extends from the first region to thesecond region.
 15. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13, whereinthe each of the first zone and second zone are disposed longitudinallyoutboard of the target zone.
 16. The disposable absorbent article ofclaim 1, wherein the absorbent article has a blot to caliper ratio ofless than 11 and/or a stiffness to caliper ratio of 4 or less, asmeasured by the blot test, caliper test, and three point bend test.